….In This Issue:

Ernst Haeckel by Roland Bender

Quote of the Month by Thomas Paine

New HAOC Board

"What Do Humanists Believe About Politics?" by Dave Silva

New Link For Library

"Lois Lyons at the Whittier Humanist Meeting" by Dave Silva

"Little Kids and Church" Humor Contributed by Pat Bryant

Program at the April Meeting:

The German Biologist Ernst Haeckel: Extraordinary Scientist or Faker,

Humanist or Fascist?

By Roland Bender

The German biologist Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) is, together with Charles

Darwin and Siegmund Freud, are probably the most contested scientists in both the 19th and the 20th century. In particular, his "bio-genetic law", formulated in 1866 to support Darwin's theory of evolution, evokes even today feelings that run high among scientists and lay people. Only recently, in 1997 and 1998, almost 80 years after his death, this issue again was covered not only in all major newspapers, but also filled several pages in the top ranking scientific journals, such as, "Science" and "Nature"! What makes this particular issue so hot, that scientists and other well educated people even today are able to lose their countenance, and may forget well accepted social and scientific rules over it? In an attempt to give an answer to this question, I will introduce at the meeting the life and scientific work of Ernst Haeckel. His work will lead us back into the history of the conflict about him, and, by doing that, will illustrate some remarkable similarities his opponents today share with their predecessors of the 19th century.

Quote of the Month:

'The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion." Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, III, 1794.

New Board to Be Elected

At the April meeting a new HAOC board will be elected. Those currently running for the board are: Pete Anderson for President, Frank Farsad for Vice-president, Jerry Parks for Secretary, Harry Becker for Treasurer, Juan Bernal for Member at Large and Benito Franqui for Member at Large. If anyone else would like to run for a board office call Dave Silva at (562) 493-8812 or let him know at the meeting.

What Do Humanists Believe About Politics?

By Dave Silva

Starting with the assumption that no definitive answer to the question above is possible, we can nevertheless form some conclusions about what most Humanists think about political issues. If you read Humanist Manifesto II, or even the brief definition of Humanism that is found in the inside front cover of every issue of "The Humanist" magazine you find certain values that form a common ground for the expression of humanistic political beliefs.

Humanists believe in democracy and the protection of individual freedoms as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and outlined in Humanist Manifesto II. We don't limit that belief to just ourselves, or our country, but believe that everyone, everywhere, is entitled to free and open elections, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Many of us would extend this to include a democratic world government (United Nations) and a world court that can settle international disputes without resorting to war.

Humanists believe in limiting the power of corporations, religions and political movements that might endanger the environment, persecute minorities, or negatively harm the health, freedom or economic ability of people to sustain themselves.

Humanists tend to view political events for their long term effect on humanity and nature. We take what many politicians in this country consider a radical position in that we think it's more important to preserve wildlife and the environment than it is to provide a quick profit for developers and corporations. Most of us think that overpopulation, global warming, deforestation and worldwide poverty are real problems that politicians should seriously discuss and hopefully address. We are generally against the death penalty, the prosecution of victimless crimes and some measure of rehabilitation as opposed to purely punitive measures. We are also for meaningful campaign finance reform, affordable universal health care and we are solidly for separation of church and state., a woman's right to choose and quality of life issues. We are against hate crime, all forms of discrimination, school vouchers and other schemes meant to fragment us as humans into competing, hostile groups.

However, Humanists can be fiscal conservatives, can be against higher taxes, excessive bureaucracy and deficit spending. We don't necessarily believe that a large government program is the best solution to every problem. Far too many political decisions are made on the basis of dogma; which is much easier than doing it the Humanist way by careful evaluation of all the factors to arrive at the best solution.

We often join groups more influential than the AHA that mirror our values; such as the ACLU, People for the American Way, Americans For the Separation of Church and State, Common Cause, Public Citizen and others with more narrow goals like Planned Parenthood. Sometimes we have a difficult time choosing between organizations that are worth supporting.

A major problem for Humanists is that as non-believers we have very little political clout. Gays have more political influence than we do. Al Gore might support some religious freedom issue because of conviction, or because there are a lot of democrats in the organizations listed above, but he wouldn't do it to get the Humanist vote. Much of this problem has to do with showing people that we have a positive program that can benefit people in living a happier, more meaningful life. A lot of people's lives are filled with problems and they are told that the answer is in the Bible, or in the Koran, or go ask Dr. Laura; and then they try to pretend things are better and they have the answer. We need to be on TV more often to give our viewpoint of important news events. We are going to have to persuade many more people to our point of view before Humanists are a real political force. 

HAOC Library

We have a new link on our website that lists the content of our library. The library is just too much far Jerry Parks to haul the whole thing to every meeting. These books, tapes, etc. are available to HAOC members in good standing.   If you would like to borrow a specific one, please call Jerry at 949-644-2170 and leave a message, or send an e-mail to: jparx@earthlink.net to make sure that the item you want will be available at the next HAOC meeting.

If you would like to write a review, or article on materials in the library for publication in the newsletter please send it to me at e-mail dav77@earthlink.net.

LOIS LYONS AT THE WHITTIER HUMANIST MEETING

By Dave Silva

HALA president Lois Lyons spoke at what we eventually hope will be an outreach group in Whittier on Thursday night, April 6^th. There was a good turnout (15) including Pete Anderson, Ron Fegley, HALA co-president and Humanist Counselor Roy Sorge, Captain of the Queen Mary.

Lois talked about maintaining standards of logic in our discussions; particularly in philosophical or political matters where emotional convictions and deeply entrenched beliefs are at stake. Sometimes we don't listen to what the other person is saying and we may be led by our emotions to select arguments that are unfair or illogical. That doesn't mean we should adopt the icy cold logic of a Mr. Spock; we can be passionate in our beliefs without abandoning a rational perspective.

Lois cited Dennis Prager as an example of someone who instantly tries to demonize, or trivialize whoever he is debating, instead of relying on sound arguments. This combative format has become common on talk radio and on shows like CNN's "Crossfire" and "Talk Back Live" where it is common to start talking to drown out the other debater if he is saying something you don't want to be heard. There are more common fallacies than most people realize, or recognize. For a very good article on fallacies and logical arguments go to our HAOC website and click "What is a Fallacy?"

We had a lively discussion that moved from fallacies to considering what is the necessary threshold of evidence needed to support a particular belief. Juan Bernal and Benito Franqui of HAOC had different viewpoints in this regard, with Benito holding that science needs to do better in presenting a conclusive case on evolution and the existence of God. One fallacy nearly all mono-theists make is that if you can't disprove the existence of something (proving a negative) that somehow makes it true. Of course, the burden of proof for any god, miracle, or for that matter anything at all is on the person claiming it is true.

After the meeting eight of us went to Jack's on Whittier Blvd. And had a good time just talking and hanging out.

 LITTLE KIDS AND CHURCH

Contributed by Pat Bryant

A father is in church with three of his young children, including hisfive year old daughter. As was customary, he sat in the very front row so that the children could properly witness the service.

During this particular service, the minister was performing the baptism of a tiny infant. The little five year old girl was taken by this, observing that he was saying something and pouring water over the infant's head.

With a quizzical look on her face, the little girl turned to her father and asked: "Daddy, why is he brainwashing that baby??"