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03/11/2004: "A fifth freedom"
There's a new political force abroad in the land. The godless hordes–literally– have decided it's time to stand up for their rights:
The Godless Americans PAC grew out of the historic "Godless Americans March on Washington" (GAMOW) held on November 2, 2002 in Washington, DC.
For the first time in history, our nation's diverse community of Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and others who do not embrace religious creeds marched together for civil rights, the separation of state and church, and their full recognition as American citizens.
We demanded "a place at the table" in this great discussion known as democracy.
Newly born, and they've already got the niceties of grievance politics down. But one has to wonder: when exactly were atheists, et. al., denied their "place at the table"? When were they declared to be only semi-citizens? As far as I know, they have all the rights and privileges of every other American. One could argue that, given their small percentage of the general population, they are way over-represented in such influential institutions as the academy, the media, and the judiciary (which kowtows to their every whim and perceived slight). So what's the problem?
Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists and Chairwoman of the GAMOW Task Force noted: "Every other group in American history, from women suffragettes to blacks, gays and even the religious right has taken those first steps toward recognition by marching on our nation's capital. It's now our turn!"
Well, actually Jews, Unitarians, chimney sweeps and Wall Street daytraders have never marched on Washington demanding their rights, but give 'em time. Johnson sounds like a four-year-old: "He got to stick his finger in a light socket, so you have to let me do it, too!"
Looking out across the crowd assembled that day on the Mall in Washington, Johnson told the thousands of participants at GAMOW that she did not see isolated Atheists and other nonbelievers.
"I see a potential voting block. I see a new movement ready to assert its political and cultural influence in America."
Naderites of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your...what was it again?
The Godless Americans Political Action Committee was born. GAMPAC, like GAMOW, does not claim to represent every Atheist, Freethinker, Secular Humanist or other nonbeliever in the United States. It does, however, provide those who wish to participate a voice, a strategy, a vehicle in promoting the policies we embrace. It allows us to endorse political candidates who support our vision of a secular America, one where our right to freedom of and freedom From religion is valued and protected.
As I read the First Amendment, it doesn't say anything about "freedom From [sic] religion," only "freedom of religion." But then, I don't read the First through the special Urim and Thummim decoder glasses that folks like Johnson have. Which isn't to say that atheists, et. al., shouldn't have the right to worship themselves, only that they have no right to demand the total stripping of the public square of any and all religious expression. I don't have a right to demand never to be exposed to irreligion, and the reverse should obviously be true. Unfortunately, a lot of judges don't see it that way. So, the reason Johnson and her buddies need to organize again is what?
(Hat tip: Reepicheep)
