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RussBLib

(9,709 posts)
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 01:00 PM Jul 2015

atheist billboard taken down in East Tennessee

Yeah, who is being persecuted, again? Christians? This sign is not offensive in the least, at least in my opinion.

saw this on Alan Colmes site:

If a Christian billboard were removed there’d be a big outcry and all kinds of commentary about how Christians are being persecuted. Not so much when it happens to atheists.

Indeed, Alan.
which leads to here:

Atheist Billboard In Tennessee Taken Down After Just 5 Days Up

An atheist billboard in Knoxville, Tennessee was taken down after the billboard’s property owner criticized its contents, just five days into its 30-day lease in April.

The billboard, which read “Don’t Believe in God? You’re Not Alone,” was paid for by the Rationalists of East Tennessee (R.E.T.), an atheist organization. It cost $1,800.

Larry Rhoades, president of the R.E.T, said the billboard was chosen for that particular spot because of vehicle traffic, not because of its proximity to the church.

“Well it’s a recruitment tool, we’re trying to get more members,” Rhoades said to WATE.

“Try putting a billboard in Knoxville or East Tennessee anywhere without getting close to a church,” he said to The Daily Beacon.

Lamar Advertising plans on moving the billboard to a new location, according to the Friendly Atheist.


Original.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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atheist billboard taken down in East Tennessee (Original Post) RussBLib Jul 2015 OP
Good job ... GeorgeGist Jul 2015 #1
There are some folks, even on DU... trotsky Jul 2015 #2
Well, for east Tennessee it is an in-your-face billboard. Duppers Jul 2015 #5
Oh my god!!! That is so fucking offensive! Curmudgeoness Jul 2015 #8
This billboard controversy has been brewing for months now: Duppers Jul 2015 #3
thanks RussBLib Jul 2015 #4
Yep. Duppers Jul 2015 #6
I honestly don't think I could live in an almost pure red state mountain grammy Jul 2015 #7
I've voiced strong objections Duppers Jul 2015 #10
I haven't been to the Smoky Mtns. in years.. mountain grammy Jul 2015 #11
billboards we'd like to see. Duppers Jul 2015 #9

trotsky

(49,533 posts)
2. There are some folks, even on DU...
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 02:11 PM
Jul 2015

who think that billboard is just as bad as a street preacher screaming on the corner.

Duppers

(28,260 posts)
5. Well, for east Tennessee it is an in-your-face billboard.
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 04:53 PM
Jul 2015

Last edited Fri Jul 10, 2015, 04:30 AM - Edit history (1)

You can't spit without hitting some church.

A few yrs ago a study was done that put Knoxville at the top of the 10 most "Bible-minded" cities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_Belt


So, such a billboard in such a conservative area is seen by the majority as very offensive. Folks there cannot conceive of anyone not being religious.

Btw, I've seen my friend Larry reject an outstretched preacher's hand at a wedding. (They're not call ministers in parts of the South.) Yep, but I think he's soften some since then. He's a very brave man who has to be "careful."

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
8. Oh my god!!! That is so fucking offensive!
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 08:02 PM
Jul 2015

Take it down before it makes someone cry!!!

I can't wait to find out where the "new location" that they find for the billboard will be.

Duppers

(28,260 posts)
3. This billboard controversy has been brewing for months now:
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 04:42 PM
Jul 2015

This billboard controversy has been brewing for months now:

http://www.local8now.com/home/headlines/A-billboard-that-drew-criticism-is-back-up-in-a-new-location-in-Knoxville--299638251.html

Larry Rhodes (not Rhoades), who is a personal friend of mine, founded ASK (Atheist Society of Knoxville) in the early 2000's. http://www.knoxvilleatheists.org/index2.html

I'm an ASK member and also a R.E.T. member by default.






RussBLib

(9,709 posts)
4. thanks
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 04:51 PM
Jul 2015

I thought I remembered that sign from somewhere.

Have y'all gotten any new members since it first went up?

Duppers

(28,260 posts)
6. Yep.
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 04:56 PM
Jul 2015

Larry also has a local television program dedicated to rational thought. The call-ins are laughable in a sad sort of way.






Btw, I've not lived in Tenn. for the last 37yrs but keep up with friends and family there. When Lar formed ASK (atheists society of knoxville) in the early 2000's, I joined to get updates and emails. Hubs is retiring in a couple of yrs and we're moving back to be smack-dab in the mountains near Knoxville, so I'll probably be more active in the groups then.

mountain grammy

(27,373 posts)
7. I honestly don't think I could live in an almost pure red state
Wed Jul 8, 2015, 06:41 PM
Jul 2015

and think kindly of all of you who do. I live in an almost pure red county, so I have some idea. My granddaughters are visiting from Delaware and laughed at the huge sign on the side of a local garage "We built this, not Obama." I told them I was just glad they spelled correctly.

If my state turns red, I'm off to Oregon!

Duppers

(28,260 posts)
10. I've voiced strong objections
Fri Jul 10, 2015, 08:17 AM
Jul 2015

to moving back to the Knoxville, TN area, but hubby LOVES those beautiful Smoky Mtn.-- claims them to be his "old stomping grounds." Back in our college days we hiked hundreds of miles on the trails. So, it's been a romantic dream of his to live "in" them and so we shall -- 5 acres at ~1800' level in the foothills. We'll essentially be isolated hermits, except for a few atheist, democratic friends. What I hate the most are those giant crosses that dot the landscape here and there.

Mountain Grammy, I'd love to live in gorgeous Oregon, the most atheist state in the country. Have the sweetest young friend in Portland now. And if not for the hubs, I would.







mountain grammy

(27,373 posts)
11. I haven't been to the Smoky Mtns. in years..
Fri Jul 10, 2015, 08:50 AM
Jul 2015

but i still remember how beautiful they are. I live in the mountains as well. I love the majesty and beauty of this place. In fact, I'm headed to the lake with my kayak as soon as I finish this post and a cup of coffee. I have some friends who lean Democratic, but not a fellow atheist to be found. My husband asked me to "not tell people" I'm an atheist.
I love my home, but I'm sick of the constant right wing religion and politics shoved in my face. We spent a month on the Oregon coast the last two years in our little camper and it was wonderful.

After 30 years in Colorado, I'm ready for a change.. that's the army brat in me talking, but I also have a hubby to convince.

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