WASHINGTON - The American Humanist Association applauded Rep. Pete Stark for publicly acknowledging he does not believe in a supreme being. The declaration, it said, makes him the highest-ranking elected official — and first congressman — to proclaim to be an atheist.
Associate director Ron Millar told the Los Angeles Times that the group wanted to highlight the difficulty that politicians have declaring they don't believe in God.
2007-03-13 09:51:50 · 10 answers · asked by ? 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Woo Hoo!
Halli-f*ck*ng-luiah!
It's about friggin' time.
He's in CA, that I know, but am not sure where his district is -- south of SF, but not southern Cal, I'm pretty sure.
There's a chance that a fair number of his constituents are either atheists themselves, or at least are not the rabid, brainless freaks that would be bothered by his honest beliefs, or come to all sorts of insane conclusions about him (no morals, and all that hooey).
His name is very familiar to me, (I'm pretty sure he's been in politics for quite some time), but I can't recall anything about him -- I hadn't heard this tidbit.
Of course, watch the wing-nuts howl and call for burning him at the stake.
I have no idea what you have in mind by "change voter's behavior" -- your giving some hint as to what you meant would have been helpful.
He was elected by only voters in his district, so it's really not for anyone but them to say.
Are you thinking that some voters will start demanding some sort of declaration from candidates from now on?
I doubt it.
I HOPE not, anyway. I'm pretty sure most Americans wouldn't really be very bothered -- just the usual, noisy suspects will be up in arms.
Nice to hear some GOOD news for a change.
2007-03-13 14:20:55 · answer #1 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think there are many, many more people in the U.S. than it appears who do not believe religious b.s.
I applaud the courage of those who dare to be open about it. If only more of our elected leaders could put common sense and reason ahead of religion!
2007-03-13 10:13:54 · answer #2 · answered by catrionn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it will change the behavior of the voters, but it would be hard for him to get elected again.
People want people in power who are like them.
2007-03-13 09:55:43 · answer #3 · answered by kittenbrower 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a free nation, people are free to express their religous beliefs....or lack of them.
If he is an atheist, then that's his choice. I do wonder what the people of his district thinks.
2007-03-13 09:56:36 · answer #4 · answered by Villain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think many folks in the public understand that many folks in government are believers by default.
2007-03-13 09:57:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Finally, an honest politician.
2007-03-13 09:58:50 · answer #6 · answered by kappalokka 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why are people so concerned with the religious habits of their politicians? Remember the whole "separation of church and state" thing?
2007-03-13 09:56:13 · answer #7 · answered by Bush Invented the Google 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I think it means so little, that i am wondering how the hell this is even reported by the news
2007-03-13 09:56:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We need about 600 more just like him
2007-03-13 10:00:16 · answer #9 · answered by trouble maker 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Clintons are both Satan Worshipers, and it never hurt them.
2007-03-13 09:59:18 · answer #10 · answered by wolf 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋