Unfortunately, this is not new. Whenever atheists state that, yes, they exist, many find that offensive. For some reason, to even state that you don’t believe in a god is considered taboo. Some Christians in that city are thinking about organizing a boycott of the buses in Fort Worth because of these ads. Why?
I know atheists are unpopular and disliked. I know no politician can run for office by saying they are an atheist. I know atheists who served in combat are told (often by people who were nowhere near combat themselves) that they must have converted on the battlefield. Some wonder, why even state you are an atheist? Well, to me, it’s simple.
Why state that you are a Libertarian or a Republican or even a Christian? A society that despises atheists is not likely to be a society that appreciates that the government should not endorse or promote religion. It is not likely to be a society that ensures that laws are based only on the use of human reason and not doctrine or dogma.
I appreciate hearing the views of my fellow citizens who believe in a god. I want to know how they view the issues of the day and what is important to them. They are as much an American as I am. Why, though, is it that atheists are supposed to be quiet on these very issues? I can take someone disagreeing with me, but I have no problem being in the minority on an issue. But I will not be quiet on an issue that I care about. I wouldn’t ask those who disagree with me to be silent, either.
Jerome McCollom
Anniston
