Oh Happy Day! *11.08.2006*

Sing it with me now: Oh Happy Day!

Oh, those Edwin Hawkins Singers -- they fill you with the spirit don't they? Last week I made a pledge to myself and a very few people, which I never thought I'd have to follow through on. After last night's Democratic Party victory over the Republicans, I hereby state that I will call a truce with God through xmas and attend church as outlined below.

Here is the pledge, which was modified over several days to this final form:

I swear that I will start believing deeply in the Lord if the Democrats can pull off taking both houses. You are all my witnesses that today, I, Jessica Anoosh D----, will temporarily renounce atheism if the Republicans lose Congress this November. If they pull it off, I will go to St. Vartan Cathedral on 34th Street every Sunday through Armenian Christmas (Jan 6). In addition, if Joe Lieberman loses, I will go to temple through Hanukah (need suggestions for this). If Macaca-witz loses, I'll go Kosher.

As they say, there are no atheists in foxholes, so perhaps that was the motivation to start praying for the Dems. According to Richard Dawkins in his new book 'The GOD Delusion', there's actually a faith scale from 1 - 7, with 7 being total lack of spiritual belief. He places himself at a 6. Whatever the case may be, I'm willing to temporarily move myself over from "7" to "1" every 2 years for a few months, if it turns out to be a lucky charm for successful progressive US election results (atheists are allowed to be superstitious, aren't we?). Perhaps one could correlate a positive outcome to some sort of effect on the collective unconscious? Jung certainly was no atheist, but Dawkins does have this "memes" theory...

Anyway, re: Allen & Lieberman -- I'm not saying I'm a little bit relieved that Ned Lamont didn't defeat him, but it might have been a bit challenging going to church and temple every week. However, since it looks Senator Macacawitz is going to lose (will continue to pray on that one), I will eat kosher, which actually as a vegetarian is not difficult at all (except no fish, I think?).

btw, this will not interfere with planning for this year's "Big Bang Day", my new holiday for atheists (more later...)

I know I know, we still have to hold the Dems' feet to the fire. But G-- D---, it's a beautiful day today! Can I get an AMEN brothers and sisters!