Private Idaho

     Growing up in Idaho has been quite an unpleasant experience.  There is an old B52 song called “Private Idaho” meaning this place is a private hell.  Idaho can be a living hell for anyone who does not ascribe to the hardcore conservative Christian lunatic perspective.  To give a better interpretation of how extreme the close-minded Idahoans are; I was banned from a Facebook page for publicly displaying pictures of local trucks with confederate flags and labeling them as racist, bigots.  It appears that when you call out the bigotry and hate you are quickly silenced.  If they cannot silence you, they work the back avenues to intimidate your position at work, society, and with peers using threats you could lose your job, or friends will flee to avoid the intimidation.

 These are the same “Idahoans” who are strong Christian/Mormon/Baptist/Catholic….etc. who will hide behind the forgiveness factor of their religion and continue doing the same hateful things.  I want to make it clear not all ‘Idahoans’ are religious nut-bag, bigoted, hate-filled, cowards.  Unfortunately those people are the ones who feel that they are righteous in their championing the cause of hate whilst hiding behind their religious doctrine.  Something interesting noted growing up in Twin Falls, there are more bars than schools, more churches than bars and more hypocrites than humanists.

Creep Factor: 9000

I ended up working for the schools or working in the schools as a professional it becomes painfully obvious that the indoctrination begins at an early stage and is pushed onto the student for the duration of their educational experience.  The high school graduation rate of Idaho is 77.3%  we are ranked 41^st of 50.  In a 2015 report only 17% of student from southern Idaho are ready for college.  Idaho has established a goal of 60% but has not even made any discernible effort to change the outcome for any of the students.  It becomes very evident early on that Idaho desires to keep its students ill-informed and under-educated.  Thus keeping two lines moving in two directions:  One is from pre-school to prison and from graduation to garbage collector.  Idaho is ranked 13th for prison population per person spending in state.  Idaho has spent more money building prisons than has been applied to secondary education.  Freakishly real: Pre-school to prison is alive and well here.

If the system can keep them dumb and following in their parent’s footsteps then they are likely to stay ignorant of humanity and close-minded to the rest of civilization.  It was a huge culture shock to me when I went away to obtain my bachelor’s degree.  I was mixing with a group of people that I had much more commonality with than my hometown peers.  I met my first atheist (other than myself) and became close friends with people who were not of the same race as me.  This was devastating to my peers in my hometown.  They clearly stated that I should not be mixing my time with “the sub humans”.  This raw bigotry was right in my face.  They used biblical statements to support their position that races should not mix and that I would have more support if I stood with my own ‘type’.  The white bigots are strong in Idaho.  They feel safe here:

I have also noted that when a group of Mormon ‘young adults’ prepare for their missions that they go to a preparation camp prior to their departure.  Many of the Catholics will have their graduates blessed in a ceremony before departing for college.  All designed to reinforce the social safety net that these individuals can hide behind if they find themselves away from home, beliefs, and morals are being challenged.  It does not take much to become elevated in stature in a church or social club, let alone have any education that may benefit the circumstances.  The lesser educated you are the more preferred you are in religious events.  Even the churches admit that reason is faiths greatest enemy:

This is even more clearly established by the faith healers killing their own children in northern Idaho.  The fully indoctrinated representatives ->(Lee Heider ex.) of this state continue to do nothing to save children at the risk.  They fear the religious/financial backlash that will befall them if they do.  That may be why in this state you can now carry a concealed weapon (gun) without training or permit.  It is becoming the wild wild west.  This state is thick with ammosexuals.  Even mentioning 'gun sense' will get a strong reaction from the ammosexual  as though their children were being murdered... No just limiting your access to guns.  They don't care about kids dying from preventable diseases - Just think of the guns!

I refuse to be ignorant and follow the same path that my hometown peers are currently taking.  They are the reason and rationale why Idaho is my personal hell.  What makes it even worse is the fact that the state is governed by these right wing jut-jobs and they are fervent Trump supporters.  I fully admit that I am liberal in my social perspective, have no religious beliefs, will call a racist what they are to their faces at profound risk to my social life. 

If I was living in the Middle East I would have my head cleaved off.  Unfortunately many my home town are members of the Christian Taliban would likely be cheering them on in the beheading process.

Four Reasons to Avoid Idaho at all Cost

I have lived in Idaho my entire life and it has become increasingly difficult to deal with constant back slide of humanity in this state.  The running joke is: “Welcome to Idaho, set your clock back 30 years.”  This joke has a tremendous amount of merit.  This locale boasts some beautiful outdoor activities and can be a fantastic place to spend camping or hiking.

Incompetent Drivers

Survey of drivers nationwide was conducted to determine what state had the worst drivers.  Idaho came out on top.  No surprise.  From the first day of driver’s education it is clear that the only goal is to just give the bare minimum of driving etiquette to the general population.  What is very clear is that the mentality of the drivers in this state is that they would rather assume that the other drivers can read their mind and get out of my way.  There is also the running theme of; turn signals are optional, seat belts are a hindrance, using mirrors to change lanes is an anomaly, and speed limits are just suggestions.

Profound Bigotry

In the 50 years living in the southern part of Idaho is becomes abundantly clear that; “If you ain’t white you ain’t right.”   Given the person cannot articulate using the English language there is an automatic out.  This is also a well-developed skill between the religious sects that are present here.  They can smell what sect you belong to and will actively discriminate.  There is a very large population of migrant Hispanic workers here and they are readily treated as slaves on the dairies, farms, and the overly agriculturally based setting.  The overt distain for gay persons is profound.  People have been targeted for aggressive discrimination by most of the population.  They are very vocal about not liking that we have a president that is black and is likely a ‘Muslim’.  There are several bills that have been presented to actively limit freedoms for those that may be considered ‘not right.’   The psychotic prosecutors are more willing to advocate for the Caucasian Christians than them ‘colored’.

Leadership Equates Right Wing Nut-Jobs

All of the representatives are (excluding the Sun Valley area) are firmly entrenched in the regular shit-bag mentality that is the extreme right wing.  There are a couple of teabaggers and they are proud of it.  There is a strong presence of anti-intellectualism.    No one with an education is to be trusted and there is a scary approach to education.  This state is ranked 49^th in education for a reason.  The politicians need to keep the populous under educated to maintain an uninformed and easily enslaved work force.  Funding for education, particularly secondary education is nearly non-existent.  The rates of pay are abysmal and there is unlikely any change seen in the foreseeable future.   Women are treated like property and the police forces are corrupt to the core.  

If you have money you are easily freed from your obligations but if you are poor and under educated you will likely end up in the state’s booming prison population.    There are more prison beds than there are housing beds in colleges and universities.  Expressions of Liberalism is not tolerated and openly confronted as ‘communist’ – Yes this place is that far gone.  Not to mention the Gun Nuts..

Religion is Everything and Nothing

You can experience any religious affiliation here unfortunately if you don’t belong to the ‘right’ one you are to be actively excluded or denied access to jobs, dignity, and respect.  Mormons tend to have a Stake House on every corner followed by the Catholics and the Evangelical whack-Os.   After 9 years playing silly games with the Catholics in southern Idaho (the Mormon Belt) - the goofy war of the worlds between these two sects is almost intolerable.  All the ‘faithful’ in this part of the state are just plain bat-shit crazy.  Coming out of the closet as an Atheist is more dangerous than being gay.   Direct open hostile responses from family as well as peers who will ‘Pray for you  to see and accept the love of Jesus.   They have no evidence to support their position and cannot even remotely grasp the concepts related to an intellectual conversation about a religion.  Many if not all the most religious are not even familiar with the dogma nor the written materials associated with their chosen faith.  It is just plain sad and painful to watch these humans walk around championing this banner to imaginary friends, believing that they can do no wrong by belittling and demeaning others because their forgiveness is secured.

Currently there are legislators and leaders of this state that advocate for the death of children to see god and faith healing is acceptable.  Another that believes he is being helpful to women thinks he is more knowledgeable of female health than a doctor.    If there was a ‘hell on Earth’  the gates are in Idaho.

I want out.  

Abrahamic Theism Is A Death Cult

I have seen frequently in the exchanges between theists and atheists the claim that atheists/atheism has killed more people and is responsible for more of the world’s tragic human events.  This would be the one fallacy that the theists cling to for comfort when the facts point to the contrary.  Theism – Abrahamic sects [Christianity, Islam, and Judaism] are in fact the most prolific death cults on the planet.

Let’s start with the Christian claim the Pol Pot, Chairman Mao, Hitler (actually Catholic), and Stalin being ‘atheists’, killed millions of people.  There is no question that these persons did horrible things and worked to eliminate persons who did not conform to their perceived ideology.  

I cannot find in any document that these pariahs used atheism to further their causes.  No evidence exists indicating that these populations were put to death due to their failure to participate in atheism.  Unless – you put on your biblical glasses (thanks Ken Ham) – then you can lie for Jesus all you desire to support your position and attract new followers.

When asked for evidence to support validity of this claim; the debate tends to devolve into accusatory statements and spraying hostility to deflect from the fact there is no direct evidence to support the position.  I have yet to have a Christian produce ANY clear evidence that the persons mentioned are acting on behalf of ‘Atheism’ to rid the world of non-participants in atheism.  North Korea is not a good example… the practitioners believe that their leader(s) are gods and it appears that atheism is not a good way of describing the necrocracy in that country.

Challenge: Theist please provide a clearly defined case of an atheist, leader or singular atheist who has advocated and acted on the presumption that atheism prescribe(s) death to those who do not follow the established dogma and ideology.

Actions of theists: - Especially ~ those of the Abrahamic sects, toward those who are not of the same faith paint a far different story.  The Christian, Islamic and Jewish operator’s manual (Bible, Koran [Quran] and Torah) have clearly defined actions to be performed by the believer on the non-believer… Death.  They also describe very horrible ways of dispatching non-believers.  This accomplishes three things:

1.       Affords the opportunity for the punisher (killer) to experience a euphoric event of taking the life of another person, sense of complete control.

2.       Inflicts horrible pain and suffering on the person being killed.  Usually in a humiliating way.  (cutting off your head, burned at a stake, throwing stones, shot in the head) whilst saying, “Allah -Ackbar”, “May Jesus have mercy on your soul.”

3.       Clearly advertises: Join us, and follow our dogma, or we will kill you – in a horrific fashion – in front of your friends and family.

Theism is a Cult of Death, and the practitioners are fully aware of this fact; but work hard to deceive themselves, conscript others given; the promise of eternal life in paradise, 72 virgins, and the Promised Land of milk and honey.  This being an “Army of god.”   Christians, Islamic fundamentalists... embrace genocide - In Africa, Christians/Muslims are working diligently to kill off the homosexual population:

History has presented, a well-documented, long and growing list of atrocities associated directly with the belief in a god(s).  Projecting these events onto atheism to escape the guilt and culpability is pure spinelessness and using your indoctrination to protect your fragile psyche.

Abrahamic Religions are barbaric and abhorrent cults with the emphasis on inclusion of the feeble minded and imposition of a horrific death of those who should be excluded for any dogmatic reason.  Mormons are included in this ever increasing cesspool of human detritus.

Theists:  Please be aware that your words, dogma, and actions do not match: this is a sign that either you are profoundly mentally ill or so intensely brainwashed that it would be in your best interest to seek help.  I am willing to fight you to the death to prevent your dogma from retarding humanity back to the dark ages.  Self introspection is highly recommended.....  You have pledged your allegiance to one (or more) of these sects. Think about it.

I Am Not My Atheism

Many persons take their religion so profoundly personal that when an atheist expresses something perceived as hateful or disrespectful the observation is that the attack is an individual one.  Nothing should be considered personal from a disrespectful attack on religion (any religion). 

Please keep in mind that if a practitioner of said religion is so enmeshed in the dogma, tradition, and belief structure they have difficulty separating where the religion ends and person begins there are internal issues of identity. 

I am not my atheism.  My atheism does not dictate my actions for me.  My current assessment of reality is that there is not enough, nor there is any credible evidence to support my belief in the existence of any god.  This does not discount my respect for any person that expresses an interest or belief structure that is invested in the existence of a god or gods.    My actions are never taken to directly insult nor infer insult to a person unless their actions have manifested a direct attack on me personally.

I have respect for the great majority of users on the internet.  Very few have gone out of their way to personally attack me or my lack of beliefs.  That is greatly appreciated.  I have also had a great deal of constructive conversations with persons who have had differing perceptions and beliefs.

Stated clearly and succinctly I have no respect for religion, all religions are in the same dubious pool.   My life experiences with three different sects of Christianity have given me nothing but a lifetime of broken promises, false hopes, and wasted prayers.   I do not hold any one person, or group of persons, responsible for this circumstance.   The blame lies squarely on the oversight and implementation of dogma, tradition, and edicts lay down by the authority of the religion. This is typically in a written form and known as holy scripture.

In my life (any and all) religion is function-less and devoid of any meaning.  It operates like a business to collect funds and then hides all its misconduct behind the idea that it must be respected because of its legal status as a religion.  It leaves a horrible feeling of mistrust in all of my dealings.

There are many in the community who work diligently to attack me and my secular friends for our lack of any belief.  There have been many who have stood upon their pulpit of love and acceptance to fabricate stories about persons who do not fit the religious standards casting us into hell and ‘rebuking’ us in the name of Jesus.    This two-faced and cowardly approach to dialog does not inspire confidence fostering a relationship between the secular (atheist) and the religious persons.  These double standards and unfair expectations of respect based on title and religion are irrelevant.  A religious practitioner should never expect anything more than respect from one human to another and no additional privilege or respect based on religious affiliation.

Atheists free from the threats locally will turn the internet to seek out persons of the same perception persuasion.  Doing this locally causes extreme reactions from religions for reasons that are veiled in ritual and dogma.  We are human and have feelings also.  We deeply love our families and have positive and lasting relationships with many people.  And we react strongly when we feel that we have been treated unfairly or in a fashion that is demeaning to us as human beings.

I advocate for atheism.  I operate under the principle that I have but one life to live and I have to make it count.  The only thing that will remain after my death is what actions I took, and I will be remembered for the legacy I leave.

I hold no resentments against anyone who does not feel the same way I do about religion.  The dialog is free of emotion and considered nondestructive until the attack is directed at a human being. 

Refugees of an Imaginary War

I keep reading or hearing about this ‘War on Christianity/Christmas’ ’War on Religion’ ‘Assault on Religious Rights’ posed by the Right Wing Nut Jobs – or at a minimum the Teabagger ~ Patriots spewing their hate swill on Fox News.

Hate to break it to you but, there is no war.  One may feel as though their ‘right to religious freedom’ is under assault.  I cannot find evidence of this.  What I do find evidence of is; the privilege/power, and unfair advantage of the overtly religious is being questioned by the populous.  There is a steady decline in the populations identified as attached to religious institutions and an increase in those who identify themselves as non-religious (atheist).  The power brokers of these religious institutions are starting to panic, and in their efforts to maintain their flocks of sheep, they have fabricated a war.   

The ensuing panic has led to a propaganda campaign by those who still have an audience to play the victim card; ‘War is being waged on our religious beliefs.’  Terms are thrown out like, ‘patriot’, ‘Christian warriors’, ‘racially motivated (Islam)’ and ‘homosexual agenda’. 

This is nothing more than a strong effort to consolidate the base of voters, or sheep, to remain faithful and pressure the lawmakers to aid alignment of their power over the perceived enemy (Atheists).  From the pulpits come the threats to the families to keep a tight rein on their potential wanderers.  Both the Jehovah’s Witness and the Mormon sects have documented systems to maintain this fear via processes dealing with apostates (control).  Islam takes it to the extreme.

Fortunately the more intellectually involved and informed can see that these propaganda efforts are in the long run; eventually destructive.  These efforts to control from within, eliciting power struggles appears as dictatorial events within almost all of these faiths.  When people can get past the fear and the understanding that departure from these faiths is healthy, natural, and beneficial they step away. 

Religion is destined for extinction.  The function of religion to control and maintain order is no longer necessary.  People hold onto the vestigial components for comfort and they serve no purposeful function other than to calm the fear inspired by the sect leaders.    This war is of attrition the faithful are dying out and the children want no part of the diseased relationships managed by the leaders of the faiths.   I don’t seek out the youth to ‘turn them’ from their religion.  They come to me asking questions and I answer them with honesty, truth, and reason.  They are refugees of an imaginary war.

My efforts to catch those who question their participation in this co-dependent relationship with their religions takes the form of starting a local Atheist group both on Facebook, and helping @FreeAtheism with the Atheist Paper Route.   Fliers handed out when they come to my door, and left on the doorsteps of local churches.

Question Everything.

Atheism Advocacy via Paper Route

Spending the last week participating in the Atheist Paper Route was well worth the time.  Initially I perceived it as waging some war on the religious factions in my home town.  After participating and starting some dialog with other atheists, I see it now more as a way of switching up the way that information and perspectives are shared.   Currently I am only one voice (delivery boy).

In this part of Idaho there are more churches than any other location I have ever lived.  One cannot travel more than half a mile on any road until you see a church or two.  There are a preponderance of Christian churches attuned to the charismatic evangelical populous and a very large number of Mormon stakes.

It often feels as though I live in the ‘Bible Belt of Idaho’ (a doubling of hellish experiences for an atheist).  There are a large number of missionary individuals going door-to-door to share their perspective on faith and to encourage many to join them for service at their holy place.    I have most certainly turned them away in a fashion that is appropriate and respectful.    Even the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

After posting several fliers on the doors of these establishments in an effort to ‘door-to-door’ advertise that atheists are here and we have valid points, the responses are typically bordering mild passivity.  I was expecting some letter to the editor with some fierce rhetoric (still waiting).  There was one church that did respond with a ‘Good Luck’ message on their sign. 

Is it a safe assessment of the situation that if they do not attend to us that we will fade into obscurity?   Maybe there is a more xenophobic approach that they are working hard to shield their populations from the information that is being dropped on their doorsteps? 

As the ‘Easter Season’ gets into full swing many of the churches have advertising to solicit new members to join them.  I will be there to deliver my paper and share with them that there are more options to choose from.  Remaining connected to some religion based in fear is asinine.    If I can reach one person give them the confidence to step out of the shadows it is well worth my time to advocate for atheism.

I want to thank the following:

@FreeAtheism

@GentleAtheist

@Atheist_Forever

@BrianBrachiopod

 For their support on Twitter!

Resources available here: Free Atheism Paper Route