Thoughts on Madeline Murray O'Hare who with her crass, unapologetic toughness succeeded in banning prayer from schools. Who will step up to fight the intermingling of church and state in the vocal manner that she did?
She was a real pioneer, but there are many following in her footsteps. The Freedom From Religion foundation is fighting the good fight every day.
 Eazyduzzit
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Dec 19, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    Eazyduzzit
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Dec 19, 2017                                            
                                        I was friends with her and her family. I can answer any questions about them. I even spoke to her son when they were kidnapped, but I didn't know it at the time.
 daddy4pugs
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Oct 26, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    daddy4pugs
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Oct 26, 2017                                            
                                        Oh wow, I only know certain facts from the newspapers and documentaries. So was she as bombastic in person as she had been on T.V.? Was anything off about the way the son sounded during the kidnapping?
No, Jon made it sound as if everything was fine and he said that he would explain when they got back. He said that they had to leave on business. I talked to him on his car phone. No cell phones in those days. I had listen to Madalyn on the radio and I was excited that American Atheists were having a convention in NYC, since I lived in Queens NY. I had never met her before and there I was, a 16 yr old kid, attending this big event. I was sitting in the front row and Madalyn approached me. She said, "Where is your name tag?" I responded that they had not given me one. She replied, "Well I'll tweeze their balls." So that should give you an idea.
She was the individual that, more than anyone else at the time got the ball rolling. Now we have a gamete of different folks that appeal to all types of people. I am drawn to the direct in your face type like Madeline but for others someone like Julia Sweeney can make a difference. Maybe if we reach critical mass, politics will take note. I hope.
 gearl
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Oct 25, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    gearl
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Oct 25, 2017                                            
                                        But I'm really talking about a loud voice you see in the mainstream. I mean, she was a very visible and audible person, and I think we need that now more than ever. Maybe the Internet, and social media have stopped one of us from coming forward in the same way she was able to make herself known in those days.
 LoveThyDog
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Oct 25, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    LoveThyDog
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Oct 25, 2017                                            
                                        I'm eternally grateful for her efforts, but it won't hurt to have people working on this who aren't so easily hate-able....
The "Reverend" Joseph Ben-David, New York Church of Humanism. Definitely as tough as O'Hare; but his main bit is better living through understanding relationships.
 andygee
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Oct 25, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    andygee
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Oct 25, 2017                                            
                                        I know him, but have not spoken in years. If you talk with him, tell him that Dominic Florio, from the gay atheists was asking for him.
The woman's name was Madalyn Murray O'Hair. There are quite a few individuals who I believe could assume the task, however, none have come forward yet. And they aren't about to fight over it!
 Penultimate
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Oct 25, 2017
                                            
                                                
                                                    Penultimate
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Oct 25, 2017                                            
                                        Excuse the misspelling.