Rep. Stark "comes out"

irishrosem · Doctorate Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 536 Gender:

The American Humanist Association is claiming that California Congressman Pete Stark has "come out" as a non-theist. Do you think this is significant? If so, how significant?

Murray Graham · Experienced Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 117 Gender:

Probably not a lot of signifigance in California. Elswhere in the Religious States of America, it would be a career killer.

regards,
M. Graham

Trouble rather the tiger in his lair than the sage among his books.
For to you kingdoms and their armies are things mighty and enduring,
but to him they are but toys of the moment,
to be overturned with the flick of a finger. -- Gordon R.Dickson

Chris OConnor · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 9:23 am Post subject: Re: Rep. Stark "comes out"

This is fantastic. ::80

irishrosem · Doctorate Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 536 Gender:

In truth, this is a little bittersweet for me. Obviously I am happy there is an admitted non-theist in Congress. (Can you imagine how appalling that must be for him to deal with all the religious ritual that influences Congress? I'm curious if he swore his oath on a Bible...)

But, on the other hand, it's a little depressing that this is treated as such a big deal.

Mr. Pessimistic · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Rep. Stark "comes out"

It is dissapointing that this is a big deal, but on another note, these big deals help focus attention on things. Most oppressed people need these issues to surface to clear a path for discussion and change.

Mr. P.

I'm not saying it's usual for people to do those things but I(with the permission of God) have raised a dog from the dead and healed many people from all sorts of ailments. - Asana Boditharta (former booktalk troll)

The one thing of which I am positive is that there is much of which to be negative - Mr. P.

What is all this shit about Angels? Have you heard this? 3 out of 4 people believe in Angels. Are you F****** STUPID? Has everybody lost their mind? - George Carlin

I came to kick ass and chew Bubble Gum...and I am all out of Bubble Gum - They Live, Roddy Piper

Frank 013 · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Rep. Stark "comes out"

I suspect that there are many more non-theists in politics, this could have the effect of some of them "coming out", I am sure they are watching to see how Mr. Stark is treated.

Later

George Ricker · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: Rep. Stark "comes out"

As more and more non-theists are willing to go public about their lack of belief in gods and religions, the stigma attached to such revelations will be less and less odious. And that's probably the most significant thing about this announcement.

I think Frank is right there are probably more non-theists in public office, and Rep. Stark's action may encourage more of them to follow suit. Especially if he doesn't suffer any negative political consequences as a result.

George

"Godlessness is not about denying the existence of nonsensical beings. It is the starting point for living life without them."

Godless in America by George A. Ricker

LanDroid · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2007 9:56 am Post subject: Harris on Stark

Sam Harris uses this to launch a familiar but tasty rant.

www.commondreams.org/views07/0316-31.htm


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