GAC protesters

[Dan Gleibitz]

Originally Posted by Crocodile

I frown upon anybody who uses parts of the human bodies as "proof" of God's "perfect" design, unless they are being sarcastic ...

I'm off the hook then?

[ArthurR]

Worldslaziestbusker – you make a good point regarding dignity. Aside from respecting (while disagreeing with others), everyone is entitled to dignity. At some point, maybe people are more important than beliefs.

Regarding a “fifth column” of theists in the crowd – I hope there were many. There was nothing to hide.” Lord knows” however how they interpreted everything. Frankly, for what it’s worth, having these guys involved keeps the dialogue going (in the wider community).

Hey – Do you recall the question to Prof. Dawkins in Q&A, regarding the nature DNA (and what came before it). Really sounded like a theist trying to upstage Dawkins. I was amazed by how well he “spun” the question into something rational and even provided a great answer.

[The Irreverent Mr Black]

A chocolate Gandhi to WLB for thinking of the human dignity of Mrs Silly and her little ones.

Don't ask me how I know this (or you risk copping another horrid story) but there is nothing which burns a protestor like Ignore.

[Dane]

Hmm, didn't Mr Nichols say something about this to some guy? Something about not giving token representation to a nut who just wants attention in a convention not for it?

Man, these people will only want to debate if they know they can avoid it in the first place.

[riddlemethis]

Yep, the minute I realised there were children present, I had to walk away. Even as much as I wanted to see whether PZ was going to enter the debate with the (ass)hatted fundie. A baby's place is at home where it can get proper rest, nutrition and relaxation so their brains can grow properly - I don't even like seeing them toted around shopping centres from the time they are minutes old! It is vile to see children being used in the pursuit of something so fucking pointless. It would have been much more pointed had everybody just kept on walking, prefering post-conference libation to adding fuel to a destructive fire. Good on you WLB for not going after the money shot! You spared us all an embarrassing moment I think.

[heresy]

It was a little disappointing that they were more interested in handing out fliers than speaking to their own lord and savior...

Still, those focused on the debate of worrying about their children may have missed the little boy in the pram. Obviously very young and frustrated to be there. He began taking his anger out on the sign. Grasping and kicking at it, he was trying to tear it apart.. A young future atheist..

[Loki]

While there was some mocking of these people (it can be hard to resist), it was good to see several people tried to interact on a more serious level, including several of the speakers, including PZ Meyers. The convention centre security also kept a close eye on proceedings and were happy the atmospere was largely convivial. Much of the peripheral discussion was on why the children were there. These people did set up right outside the doors, where a goodly amount of milling around was to be expected even without them, it was interesting that when Catherine Deveny came out to hand out some flyers, much of the crowd gravitated to her.

[Random]

Originally Posted by Worldslaziestbusker

I decided the idea had merit when they didn't join in the standing ovation given to Taslima Nasrin. Her story was harrowing and to think that her compelling account of humanity at its best and worst couldn't overcome their disdain for the event was a poignant reminder of why the convention was necessary.

I found her account very moving, but I didn't participate in the standing ovation and I'm not a theist. I did clap very hard though. I felt it was right on the verge of being worthy of a standing ovation and debated standing when I saw a lot rise, but I remained seated. I think if the seats weren't the flip up kind I probably would have stood. I realised I had made the wrong decision when I saw the majority had risen, and felt bad, but I figured it wouldn't seem genuine and was probably too late to rise then.

Other people may have had similar reasons for not standing, or perhaps having physical difficulty in rising and being seated. Then again there may have been a few theists remaining seated as well.

It was obvious there must have been some theists, as one asked Dawkins a question.

[Praxis]

Another thing about the Creo's out the front. Whatever their beliefs, they win Shit Parents of the Week Award for having those kids in the boiling sun for hours without any shade, sunblock or hats on

No doubt God will have a very good reason for their skin cancer later in life

[The Irreverent Mr Black]

Originally Posted by Praxis

Whatever their beliefs, they win Shit Parents of the Week Award for having those kids in the boiling sun for hours without any shade, sunblock or hats on

I saw the photos, oh dear, and wasn't Mummy a little bit Ginger?

(No offence is intended to our Admin... RCBUHD!)

It ain't us who's gonna burn, I reckon.