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Thursday, January 10, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 508 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Hello Dear Humanist Friends and a Happy New Year to US ALL!
And let's anticipate a Happier New Year for the U.S. itself as well, because this might be the Year in which the People of this Country recognize the power that they've invested in Barack Obama, and use this mandate to create the Peaceful Revolution that Humanist and Ethical Principles demand!
My focus for a First Volley in the Battle is to prevent John Brennen, the "Assassination Czar," who advises Obama on his "Kill List" for lethal drone strikes, from being approved by the Senate to head the CIA.
An ironic corollary is Obama's choice of Chuck Hagel, a Vietnam Veteran, for the Department of Defense, who faces a tough battle in the Republican dominated Senate, because he is not "terrorist" enough. He wisely recognized the rationale for invading Iraq was a hoax, and voted against it.
Please! Bring your own concerns to share at this gathering!
Our Humanist Group has been graciously invited to meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays this January (the 10th and the 24th) by the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC).
Please come to Room 508 to discuss these and other issues in a friendly open-minded and exploratory forum. All are welcome, bring family and neighbors, school mates, and we will have lively discussions on all of those "no-no" topics...like ethics, religion, sex, and politics!
Questions: Are You a Member of the American Humanist Association? Do You consider Yourself a Member of the Humanist Society of Metropolitan New York?
The reason that we're asking is...The AHA would like a list of Members of our group. I don't know what to tell them!!!!! We have attendees.
We have some faithful persons who come great distances, even on bicycle! Some come for only a short while because, they must return to their living situation at a designated time. Some come after classes and after work, and when the group is required to leave the building early...the short visit is hardly worth their sacrifice.
BUT, here's the amazing thing! They find the association with other Humanists and like-minded persons, reward enough to take the time and trouble.
Because each of us is making some kind of struggle to meet all of life's demands, and we're always so glad to see each other, that I would never even dream of asking for a Membership fee! But, how about a simple commitment?
Please respond with a strong affirmative (to the info.hsmny@corliss-lamont.org e-mail address) if you consider yourself a Member of the Humanist Society of Metropolitan New York, The Corliss Lamont Chapter of the American Humanist Association.
I'm sending Humanist Hugs in advance to these faithful Chapter Members. Hoping to see you on Thursday! More Hugs from Beth Lamont.
Light snacks will be served. For additional information about this meeting, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
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Thursday, January 24, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 508 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Many of us are sharing the elation of hearing our President dedicating the new administration to more progressive principles. We seem to be in good company...I'm hearing this hopeful corroboration from many Humanist friends. I'm hopeful that necessary endangered "People Programs" will now begin to gain proper support.
HOWEVER! There is absolutely NOTHING progressive or Humanistic about the un-mentioned...the un-spoken...tool of US foreign policy...the continuation of targeted assassination, and the waging of secret wars by elite teams of assassins. What's the rationale? Who chooses targets? By what criteria? Why?
What the hell is going on here? If ever there were a plan to create a steady unbroken stream of vengeful "anti-US-terrorists" from which we would need to defend ourselves...to "protect" this country...this is the way to DO it!
What better way to assure the continued un-examined and un-challenged funding of the perpetual war machine? There must be those who have a vested interest in its perpetuation! What say you? Please bring your views for discussion?
Come discuss the basic psychology of vengeance, and the long-range societal impacts of this phenomenon, with Dr. Andrew Lautin, author of several papers on the Neurological Sciences.
Do you agree with his thought that altruism is ultimately selfish?
I reluctantly had to agree with his challenge...that I actually DO GET A VERY GOOD FEELING, if I think that I'm doing the right thing! Especially in the face of opposing viewpoints....like ahem, targeted assassination!
Would we ever work for beneficial change, if we didn't have vested interests in its outcome? If you've read "The Selfish Gene" would you please report on it for the Group? Can we defend our Humanist point-of-view?
I insist that most Humanists with whom I'm acquainted, behave ethically as a matter of principle, merely because it's the "right thing to do!" What say you? Please attend this gathering to discuss these issues?
I'm still focused on what we might choose to DO...after we share information and become alerted to a danger.
Do you know the White House phone number? It is 202-456-1111
Do you know your Congressperson's phone number?
Senator Chuck Schumer's is 202-224-6542;
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's is 202-244-4451.
Here's hoping to see you! All are welcome! Light snacks will be served.
For additional information about this meeting, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
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Thursday, February 14, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 508 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Please bring your ideas and concerns to a discussion about the relationship between Humanism and Socialism (please see attached PDF file). You are invited to attend the presentation on this subject by Sidney J. Gluck, a long-time cohort of Corliss Lamont in their mutual concerns for Civil Liberties.
Sidney Gluck is an expert on China and is intent upon fostering a better exchange of ideas and a more productive understanding and peaceful relationship in the best interests of both of our Peoples. Please being your information for sharing with others.
Here's hoping to see you! All are welcome! Light snacks will be served.
For additional information about this meeting, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
Humanism_and_Socialism.pdf (19,881 bytes).
Video of the Thursday, February 14, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting
The video above was shot at the Thursday, February 14, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting and includes Sidney J. Gluck's Humanism and Socialism presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with the meeting attendees (58 minutes 5 seconds).
The video can also be found on the YouTube Web site at the following URL.
Sidney J. Gluck: Humanism and Socialism - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_zlvlb1aYc
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Thursday, February 28, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 507 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Hello Dear Humanist Friends! February is the month to celebrate Black History, and the Humanist Society of Metropolitan New York invites you to a glorious Celebration.
This Celebration features our precious and famous Historian Friend Bernice (rhymes with furnace!) Cosey Pulley. You'll find videos of this fantastic Lady in action on Google. Her equally dear and famous Husband, Arthur Pulley, of Yale Law School and aged 96, is hospitalized, recovering from a fall, at the writing of this announcement, and so her attendance is, of course, based upon his well-being. We'd love for Arthur to be speaking to us also. Bernice modestly emphasizes that this is a GROUP presentation, and fervently wishes to acknowledge and to dedicate this Celebration to all of the Movement's "Sung and Unsung Heroes."
Some participants in this Celebration will bring Music, Drama and Dance. They are: Dr. Marion R. Davis, Baritone, who'll be singing about the "Rivers to Cross;" Walter Jones, dramatist, with a dynamic reading of Langston Hughes; Candence Tarpley, Indigenous American Dancer; and musicians: Maya Caballero, guitarist, and singers Carolyn Bischoff, and Carolyn Freebern will have you on your feet singing along. Andrew Bell, of WBAI will be back home with us reporting on his adventures in Africa and South America.
Most of these folks were totally immersed in the great struggle for equality and very conscious of the continuing need for standing strong for our rights and speaking out! They will be sharing their wisdom and personal experiences and relaying some of the inside dynamics of persons and decisions and actions that were undertaken, during the crucial Civil Rights Movement.
Our dear Joe Friendly will be there with his video camera to preserve this special event for YouTube and Cable!
Also at this meeting you will find another rarity: two Presidents of the HSMNY! This is indeed, an historic event in itself, because these Gentlemen have not before had the opportunity to work together. Our previous long time HSMNY President, Professor Thomas Riggins, who teaches at New York University, had not always been available to lead us on our customary Tuesdays, but NOW that we're meeting on Thursdays, we hope to see more of him!
Our current young, dynamic HSMNY President is Robert Heihn, and the intergenerational interchange between these two gentlemen will be especially informative, reflective of their various experiences and their outlooks and their predictions for the successful infusing of Humanist Ethics into our present day dilemmas.
Beth's challenge is as always, to discuss how we activists will strive to further Peace efforts and to Humanize our IN-Humane economic system: like...Capitalism with a Conscience?
Please feel free to bring lots of friends, as this promises to be a very interesting meeting. Also, this might be a perfect time for sharing any edibles you might wish to bring. They'll be welcome as there will not be the usual snacks.
Although we expect to get started at about 6:15 PM, due to Fire Dept. regulations, attendance is limited to 60 persons, so be sure to get there on time so as to guarantee your admittance to this exciting event! And please RSVP to Bernice Cosey Pulley at 914-632-2262 if you plan to attend.
Here's hoping that you'll be able to attend and share your own concerns and thoughts and ideas.
Video of the Thursday, February 28, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting
The video above was shot at the Thursday, February 28, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting and features commentary by Bernice Cosey Pulley (1 hour 40 minutes 12 seconds).
The video can also be found on the YouTube Web site at the following URL.
Bernice Cosey Pulley: Black History Heros - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDtZxtXGgQ0
Musical Performances from the February 28, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting
The video above was shot at the Thursday, February 28, 2013, HSMNY Chapter Meeting and features several musical performances (39 minutes 51 seconds).
The video can also be found on the YouTube Web site at the following URL.
Singing Performances at Bernice's Black History Heroes - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skaJNhC6kKA
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Thursday, March 14, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 507 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Our special guest speaker will be Andrew Bell, who will speak on the topic, "LOVE PEACE POWER".
Although our meeting will begin at the usual time of 6:00 PM, Andrew's presentation will begin at 7:00 PM.
Refreshments and snacks will be served, and books will be available. Please call Beth at 914-588-5284 with any questions that you may have.
Here's hoping that you'll be able to attend!
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Thursday, March 28, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (possibly 9:00 PM) in Room 507 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
We will be celebrating the life of Corliss Lamont. Please come and join us for this Celebration! All are welcome! Please bring friends and come to share thoughts and ideas, especially if you might have known or worked with Corliss Lamont.
A movie made by Corliss's Grandson, Jonathan Heap, will be shown that contains several interviews with Corliss; one of these takes place at the courthouse where Corliss was accused by Joseph McCarthy, because of his writings, of being a Communist. Corliss chuckles gleefully at having later outwitted McCarthy's tactics in a landmark unanimous Supreme Court decision.
Another interview is an inspired explanation of the Humanist Philosophy; its history and its importance in this day and age, with Corliss describing why he adheres to the Humanist principles. Copies of The Philosophy of Humanism and Freedom Is As Freedom Does: Civil Liberties in America, two of Corliss Lamont's most popular books, as well as many other titles, are available free to all attendees.
Over the years, the research and messages contained in both of these books, have gained more and more relevance. Humanism is now much better understood, with the increasing disengagement of young people with traditional religions, coupled with the more inclusive ideals and a more universal orientation, facilitated by the shared information of our "space age" technology.
Compassion and the recognition that we are all Humans, and observing that it's going to take "Super" courageous Human responsibility, instead of "supernatural intervention" to solve our staggering problems, may gain more traction, rather than clinging to discredited age-old divisive ideologies.
The warning subject matter of Corliss Lamont's Freedom Is As Freedom Does: Civil Liberties in America is even more relevant today than in the McCarthy era with ever new military control and increasing infringements upon our cherished Civil Liberties.
Here's hoping that you'll be present at this Birthday Party! There will be appropriate refreshments! Please feel free to call Beth Lamont at 914-588-5284 for more information at any time.
Be brave! Please attend even if we're knee-deep in snow! Humanist Hugs!
Book References (available from Amazon.com):
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Thursday, April 11, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Room 514 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Here's a chance to get some academic grounding in the history of Humanism. We have been officially invited to attend an evening class: "Introduction to Humanism", moderated by Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Ethical Leader.
Here is the introductory paragraph to the invitation that is to be found on the NYSEC Web site:
"Ethical Culture fits under a large tent of Humanism. It didn't start that way; founder Felix Adler was an Idealist philosopher, not a humanist. Since 1963, in a statement made by the National Leaders Council, Ethical Culture has acknowledged its evolving humanist philosophy, while maintaining a primary emphasis on ethics. Leader Anne Klaeysen, co-Dean of The Humanist Institute for Graduate Studies, explores the history of Humanism in the U.S., its major influences, and the major players and organizations today."
Registration is required so they will have an idea of the number of persons attending. To register please contact Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk at ygarcia@nysec.org, or 212-874-5210, ext. 118.
Beth Lamont, with many other HSMNY Chapter Members, will be attending. Please join us? Copies of Corliss Lamont's The Philosophy of Humanism will be available for all attendees. For additional information, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
When we get together in our own meetings of the Humanist Society of Metropolitan New York, we seldom talk about the origins of our Philosophy; we mostly discuss expressions of our belief in Ethical Behavior and Rational Thought, and perhaps most painful and perplexing, the consideration of whether or not we Humans might be evolving into a kinder gentler more respectful species. After a lifetime of consideration, my take on this matter is...it's about a toss-up! But, I have hope!
Because, lately, I've been reading The Bonobo and the Atheist by Frans de Waal, and actually loving the thought that one of our closest primate relatives, makes love and not war. I find this truly inspiring.
De Waal describes observations in the Bonobo, repeated instances of compassion, altruism, judgement of right and wrong, expressions of shame for wrong doing, actual recognition of if/then consequences, acts of apology, and many other attributes that seem to have developed as feelings from their emotions, and apparently long predate any moralistic rules from the "thinking ape".
There may be hope for us Humans yet, that is, if we can minimize our several inherited angry Chimp urges, and let our loving Bonobo Nature take its course. This thought truly delights me! I speak with the wisdom of a wilted Flower Child from Haight-Ashbury.
Hope to see you there! We'll talk next time on April 25th, but this time we'll listen!
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Thursday, April 25, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC), located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
We will have the privilege of sharing the evening with Humanist Visitors from Chile, South America. Dr. José-Antonio Vargara and Ms. Gladys Vargara will be our guests, and have expressed a willingness to share, informally at our table-talk format, the experience of being isolated Humanists in a Latin American society. However, we learned that they were able to attend the World Humanist Congress in Oslo 2011. Surely they found much comfort and corroboration in that opportunity to associate with other world-wide Humanists. And we'll be able to welcome them to our own Humanist gathering....New York style.
Dr. Vargara is by profession a medical public health officer in a regional office of the Ministry of Health. He teaches at a local University to students of Medicine on epidemiology and the history of science and medicine. Dr. Vargara has informed me that Chilean President Salvador Allende was also an MD, and was intent upon creating a better public health system for the Peoples of Chile. I was quite surprised to learn of this; it brought the conversation to long standing U.S. Foreign policies, and to matters political.
Dr. Vargara states that politically he belongs to the broad tradition of a democratic, non-dogmatic, non-sectarian and moderate Left wing. Further, that he totally rejects the too agreeable and understanding attitude, cowardly adopted by the traditional Left. He adds that tolerance towards totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, and all their moral and social miseries, has been mistakenly considered a duty of "comradeship".
This will be a very interesting evening for discussion and exchange of ideas. Please bring your comments and concerns for sharing. Please bring family and friends, as well. The more...the merrier, as the old saying goes. I'm always thrilled with the statistics that indicate that "non-religious but spiritual" is the choice of more and more Americans. I do believe that the positive aspects of the Humanist philosophy are becoming better known.
I'm always quick to differentiate between the "Anti-Religious" focus of some Free Thinkers, and the more Humanistic attitude, respectful, more ecumenical, embracing practitioners of all faiths that manifest good works, teaching love and tolerance, and not hate and vengeance. We have friends at the UN who are Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian; so many religions that are focused on caring for Humans Here and Now.
Here's hoping that you'll attend this meeting and share your thoughts and ideas. There will be copies available of Corliss Lamont's book The Philosophy of Humanism. Snacks will be available, too. For more information, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
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Thursday, May 9, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC), located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ]. Please check sign in Lobby for exact room location.
Join with other concerned Humanists and Freethinkers. Please bring your ideas about how we might turn our talk into real action; perhaps raise our voices to be heard, and make a plan to try to affect at least one small area of screaming need, as Humanists, in this scary in-humane world. We will be discussing current events, foreign policy, political affairs, and philosophy. Please bring your concerns and ideas.
Here's hoping that you'll attend this meeting and share your thoughts and ideas. There will be copies available of Corliss Lamont's book The Philosophy of Humanism. Light snacks will be available. For more information, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013:
We will meet from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the downstairs Recreation Room at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC), located at 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West [ click here for map ].
Pamela Timmins, an activist Video Producer, and creator of her own video production service called, appropriately, "Pamorama" presents her latest MNN programs about the outreach efforts of New York activists to educate about urgent issues; hydrofracking with options for efficient and renewable energy.
Pamela creates documentary videos, independent and social media to bring to Public Access Cable screens innovative ways to promote a sustainable future with respect for harmony along the Hudson River Valley.
Please bring information about your own concerns to share with others. Together we will gain strength and resolve to continue our activism in the struggle to make beneficial changes so needed in this world. More and more we Earthlings must acknowledge: Mother Nature is angry!
Pamela Timmins is the producer/director of Pamorama Productions start-up video company and Manhattan Neighborhood Network producer, cultural channel # 4.
On May 23rd 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM her cable program will be showing a video Honoring Women's History Month interview with performance by Spirit of Thunderheart, all women drum circle of Mohawk heritage from the Hudson River Valley announcing production of their new CD, Rising, and a documentary DVD.
Also the Clearwater Nation shows every fourth Thursday at 10:00 AM monthly episodes about what's sustainable in New York City along the Hudson River Valley to Albany, N.Y. For more information, see New Apple Music and Art Productions.
All are welcome to attend. We will meet in the Recreation Room downstairs. It's a giant room; we can have a Ball!
Hope to see you there any time after 6:00 PM. It's dinner time...so there will be "refreshments". For more information, please call Beth at 914-588-5284.
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