Cheers! Summer Solstice & Juneteenth Day, 1865-Slavery's End @ Barkley Jalapenos

Happy Summer Solstice!

IF YOU CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT, JOIN US INSIDE!

Just for 4 months out of the Year, we celebrate the 4 seasons in the larger banquet room just south Barkley Bob's Burger and Brew at Barkley Jalapenos.

It just so happens that TODAY June 19th is now our official USA holiday, Recognizing the End of Slavery in in 1865, when Texas finally officially announced the end of slavery to its citizens. LETS FIRST GO AROUND THE TABLE AND BRIEFLY TALK ABOUT OUR NEW OFFICIAL NATIONAL HOLIDAY - 165 YEARS LATER, LET'S SHARE OUR PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES!

For this SUMMER SOLSTICE Celebration, we have the following topics:

Our "ICE BREAKER" STARTER TOPIC:

Topic #1: "Who ARE we? How inclusive are we to both the political and religious spectrum? Are we more akin to religious liberals or freethinking atheist conservatives, libertarians, or Ayn Rand "Objectivists? Can we do both without frustrated members walking out?

ARE THERE DEAL BREAKERS TO OUR OPEN MINDED INCLUSIVENESS?
IS IT OK for us to be INTOLERANT towards INTOLERANT PEOPLE?
Some resources to guide us in this discussion are below:

#1) Survey offers new answers to an old question: What do religious ‘nones’ believe? Link below:
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/1/24/24022451/what-are-religious-nones-believe-in-god/
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#2) Are we pragmatic? Is Pragmatism a good description of our stance, or not? The Philosophy of Pragmatism is a way of thinking that emphasizes the practical side of ideas. Instead of focusing on abstract theories or principles, pragmatists believe that the truth of an idea is determined by its usefulness and applicability in real life. If an idea works and has positive results, then it is considered true or valid.
For example, consider how you might approach a problem like getting from one place to another. You could rely on a map, ask for directions, or use GPS; the method you choose depends on what works best for you in that moment. Pragmatism suggests that the effectiveness of your approach is what truly matters, not whether one method is considered superior to another in a theoretical sense.

The philosophy of pragmatism originated in the late 19th century, primarily through the works of philosophers like Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. These thinkers posited that the meaning of any concept or belief is rooted in its practical consequences and applications.

Pragmatism rejects the notion that truth is static or absolute; instead, it views truth as dynamic and contingent on context. This means that beliefs should be evaluated based on how effectively they solve problems and enhance human experience. For instance, if a scientific theory leads to successful technological advancements, it holds more merit than a theory that exists purely as an abstract idea without practical application. Click on link below:
Explain it: What is the philosophy of pragmatism?
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#3) On Death & Dying & "What would you do differently if you knew you only had one year left to live" (thank you Yifan Chen for offering this question to our last Friday N. of Costo meeting.
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#4) NOSTALGIA:
The last time we had a big win on Separation of Church, School & State.
Ever since 2004, despite the rapid growth of Americans unaffiliated with organized religion, we've been loosing the battle in court and of public opinion. Let's reminisce on our last court battle sucess in the following 2 hour NOVA special, 2004, You may click to skip add to move onto this video.
Judgment Day Intelligent Design On Trial FULL (NOVA)
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#5) Need some survival strategies for THE NEXT 3.5 YEARS?
Perhaps we'll have enough guard rails to limit damage during the 2nd Trump era, but what if even half of our concerns BEAR OUR WORST FEARS?

New member Lee Mozena from Zena Consulting recommended this article to read:

# Five Steps To Resist The Coming Tyranny

### Adopt These Urgent Immediate Actions to Safeguard Yourself, Your Family & America

https://malcolmnance.substack.com/p/five-steps-to-resist-the-coming-tyranny

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We will start out by introducing ourselves, our personal passions and also share our choice on how to conduct our meeting (2 minutes or less per person).

The latest Current Affairs are always open for discussion

This is an evolving process and I will gladly accept suggestions to improve the process, quality and enjoyment of meeting for all, if possible!

We encourage attendees to share their life story that lead their journey to the 'Land of Freethought', Free Inquiry and Skepticism towards cultural norms, traditions and stories.
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Freethought ecourages creative solutions, but then this group uses reason, evidence and the scientific method as the only reliable means to prune down answers to our probing questions and common sense solutions to humanity's current problems.

See you there!

Bobby Burr & Monty Vonn
Co-coordinators