Atheism a Religion? Government Says Yes for Tax Purposes

The leader of an atheist group sued because she didn't believe she qualified for tax exemptions afforded to clergy. When the government says she does qualify - as a minister - she got even angrier.

So I went to Hempfest yesterday :)

I havent been to it in a few years, but I had to go to THIS one....the first one where Marijuana is legal!

there was talks of the police handing out Doritos with the marijuana laws on it lol I really wanted to see that but I think they must have run out on friday....I heard one girl behind me say "where the cops at? I got the munchies!" lol

thousand and thousands of people! no parking, we probably walked 5 miles just to get to the line to get in....which wound up and down two streets - about a mile long! there was a group of protesters yelling at us thru a megaphone that we were sinners. jesus was gonna get us etc....then someone hollered "go back to Westboro ya freaks! this is Seattle! The marijuana capital of the world! wooo!" lol

I saw girls butts and painted up boobies, I saw a giant bag of weed and a giant Joint walking around passing out flyers for a medicinal delivery place....I saw the most amazing glass artwork! I saw happy people, high people, singing people....some guy had MASSIVE joint he was passing around - he got told it was huge enough to be considered distributing so they made him put it away....

I heard the attorney who wrote the initiative to make it legal speak, she had her 6 yo son there, she said hes been to every one since he was born Another speaker spoke of the next fight....the building of the industry...making sure those employees have heathcare and other benefits....another spoke of getting marijuana off the fed Sched 1 list.......most dangerous substance in the world? please....

it was a great time - a worthy victory party but still keeping focus on what still needs to be done...

and I didnt see anyone from work! Whew!

So this lady comes to my door yesterday....

and shes talking about the community(kent, wa) coming together to fight these coal trains from coming thru our town....she gave us a website but its at home and im at work....but I did find this article from January....

http://www.kentreporter.com/news/187338941.html

im wondering just how far the human race will go for money....

I love this idea...

the dream for hubby and I is to relocate in 5-10 years - buy a sailboat and sail to New Zealand and make our home there....in the process of research, we found this- http://www.atamaivillage.com/
its a village, a community of like minded people working towards being completely sustainable, eco friendly, organic etc....a REAL community....a family of sorts....it sounds awesome to me....the recognize whats going on with the bankers, the greed, corruption etc....this is a new way.....feels a bit like that guy in the third Zeitgeist movie....
theres several villages based on the same concept, this link is just one of them....I dont know if theres others in opther counrties...but I REALLY like this idea....might have to work towards it!