Guest Opinion: Non-religious deserve candidates’ attention
By Gilbert D. Shapiro
Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona, March 20, 2008
Non-believers in America have been ignored by the presidential candidates. The 34th annual National Conference of American Atheists will take place in Minneapolis this weekend. According to American Atheists president Ellen Johnson, to date, no presidential candidates, Democrat or Republican, has accepted an invitation to speak at this meeting.
Were a candidate indeed to speak at this gathering, I would like to hear the following:
"My fellow Americans, I am honored that you have invited me to speak before you today. But I feel embarrassed, if not frankly ashamed, that you sought me out rather than the reverse. My acceptance of your kind offer was not an easy one to make. To be completely honest, my campaign advisers and many supporters are not thrilled that I am speaking to atheists. The reasons are obvious.
"Our country and my supporters are predominantly Christian. I am Christian. But your invitation to speak at this meeting and to listen to your viewpoints and concerns was compelling. As a potential representative of all our nation's citizens, on what rational grounds could I have rejected your request? And as a practical matter, I am mindful that non-believers were a sizeable voting bloc in 2004 (11 percent according to Beliefnet.com).
"So to my campaign advisers and supporters, who are both amazed and nervous that I am here today, I say, 'Get over it!'
"Let me assure all secularists of my position on some important issues:
"I will support the separation of church and state. I interpret the First Amendment as guaranteeing our citizens not only freedom of religion but freedom from religion. This policy is protective and fair for theists and atheists. It allows us all the freedom of choice to follow our personal beliefs in whatever direction they may go.
"I will listen to and consider everyone's views on public policy. But let me assure you that science, not religious ideology, will guide all policies related to social services, health care, the environment, education and cultural diversity.
"In my administration, women, gays, non-believers and other minority Americans will be treated with equality, dignity and respect.
"I will review the current guidelines and even the very concept of 'faith-based initiatives.' Many of you have raised valid concerns about their activities.
"I will dispense with the National Day of Prayer and the National Prayer Breakfast since I cannot justify their constitutionality. Prayer is a private not a public matter.
"While you respect my right to stand here as a theist, I respect your right to stand there as an atheist. I know that believer and non-believer, each one as American as the other, can stand together proudly, arm in arm, on level ground.
"While we should not expect to change our respective world views, we must nevertheless find ways to work together with common sense for the common good. Together, atheists and theists, as they have done in years past, will continue to build, defend and enjoy this great land."
