By PHILIP SHROPSHIRE - PITTSBURGH ATHESIM EXAMINER
Added: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 UTC

Original link

One: Its a very nice gesture in that it acknowledges that Atheists exist. That's a big step forward. Its very clear, from recent polling, that a substantial amount of Americans don't adhere to any religious belief. The other important thing is what was discussed and most importantly what the McClatchy story described as the medical neglect of children within religious homes, well documented in my last two "Why Richard Dawkins is a Mean 'Ol Atheist" pieces here and here. One of the speakers, who couldn't make it unfortunately because of the weather (Or was it Great Odin's mighty hand...?), grew up in a religious home that made her consistently and probably permanently sick. When you think about it that's the life of a child in any Christian Science or Jehovah's witness home. Atheists are going to make the argument that children should be pulled out of those homes for the health of the children. Good luck with that.

Two: Atheists shouldn't expect much from this. The Obama presidency has been one big bait and switch. He always talks a great game while running things center/right. Frankly, while I sometimes think he's as agnostic as his mother, if you want to win the presidency in this country then you would be better off not to be openly contemptuous of religious beliefs. In fact, you probably have to suck up to religious leaders and their silly ideas. Has Obama called out the Pope yet for the genocide caused by the church's no condom policy in Africa? Yeah, well you'll be waiting a long time. So, final thought, don't expect much.

Here are the stories I've been able to find:
...
Continue reading

TAGGED: ATHEISM, POLITICS