wouldn't it be progressive for the prez. candidates to acknowledge atheists?

[ensho]

are we ever acknowledged or courted by candidates?

there are a lot of us, more then you would think. way more.

Of course I know, and you know, why we are ignored. Just threw out this thread as a musing on the times.

[stray cat]

1. Get organized and fund a debate? I haven't seen one exclusively for men or women yet either

I haven't even seen one for neocons or skin heads although I'm not sure the candidates would attend that one....

Although the general belief is that the dems are the candidates of atheists and any faith they portray is false.

[quantass]

2. The reason is simple...

Atheists tend to be more knowledable and very objective and thus isn't a necessary group to court since they already use their brains, not their hearts to make their decisions....seeing candidates on stage in hopes to pander to them is not necessary and in most cases irrelevant since they will look at the facts and make their decision outside any make-belief the MSM or the right puts out. Reminds me of the whole fact-based scientific evolution vs the pretend fairytale of the magic of the bible....One group is reality-based, the other "wishes to live" in a dream world evne if it involves annihilating another country to do so.

[pizoxuat]

3. This is one of the ways Kerry earned my support.

During one of the debates there was a question about religious freedom, and Kerry said that the rights of (list of religions here) needed to be respected, as well as the rights of agnostics and atheists. I was floored to hear a candidate for President say that on national TV and very pleased.

[ensho]

5. I didn't know he said that - thanks for reporting that

and a belated thanks to Kerry

[tbyg52]

10. Hey, pizoxuat!

Welcome to DU. :hi:

And thanks for the info!

[Gabi Hayes]

12. if Obama does that, they'll jump all the way down his throat into his small intestine.

it would be nice, but it's not going to happen

btw, is this yours?

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=miVcPpSkuSU

love the comment!

heh

[blm]

14. He showed guts most never would, people forget how gutsy he was because they let themselves be spin

into believing corporate media's heavily editted version of his campaign and his character.

For over a decade Kerry had studied the world's religions and how they influence a region's culture and individual country's governments. He spoke of this in a 1997 interview with Windsurfing magazine, and he included peoples and their governments that have no religious influence whatsoever.

[lojasmo]

4. Obama does, regularly.

Take it from this atheist.

[ensho]

7. good, glad to hear that

nt

[tbyg52]

13. I'm glad to hear that, but I'm not crazy about what's going on at the convention:

http://www.demconvention.com/democratic-convention-to-highlight-diverse-community-of-faith-leaders-working-toward-common-good/

The Secular Coalition asked that the inclusiveness be extended to atheists and agnostics:
http://www.secular.org/news/DNC_Daughtry080730.html
but note the date of July 30. I have not found any indication that they received an answer. Has anyone else got an update on this?

[gblady]

16. true that....

he regularly makes mention of believers and non-believers...

[barack the house]

6. I think he did in connecting the relevance of pro choice and equity in society...

What Obama is doing well is that the positions of atheists need not be seen as anti-christian. Atheism isn't really a title that has to be banded around it just has to be explained in certain way to those with faith. It's at the part of the election that he is appealing to christians over the atheists.

[Captain Hilts]

8. Yes, but we don't have a progressive candidate. nt

[Naturyl]

15. Agreed. (n/t)

[saltpoint]

9. Agree -- it would be damned refreshing but sadly the electorate

in general is not self-realized.

Churchill said that the strongest argument against democracy is a 5-minute conversation with the average voter.

[inthebrain]

11. One reason why Atheists will never be recognized; PROOF!!!

That's right. We believe in a burden of proof. We are much more skeptical and far more difficult to limit the debate. We look at other options and respect the scientific process as a way to improve the world.

In a sense, we know that it takes ACTION not FAITH and ACCEPTANCE to make the world a better place.

So candidates are very intimidated by that.

[Skidmore]

17. Wow! That is just stunning!

I suppose you have proof that no people who subscribe to belief systems engage in critical thought--that their actions are solely governed by "faith and acceptance." All of them. Not a one of them is ever skeptical or capable of forming independent thoughts. You have amazing powers of scientific deduction going there.

[BklynChick]

18. I have always heard Obama say, "Christians, Jews, Muslims, and non-believers..." I appreciate that.