[bksjones]

Originally Posted by Stampin Wrose

This one: We affirm the right of believers and non-believers alike to participate in public life and their right to equality of treatment in the democratic process.

I thought - yeah and an atheist has a snowball's chance in hell of being elected to any high office in this country. If I were an atheist with political aspirations, I'd have to lie about it!!!!

Well, apparently here in North Carolina, it is against the law for me to be elected to any office, high or low , due to my lack of faith. I loved The West Wing, and during the last season, Alan Alda ran for president as a Republican who would not make statements about his religion, but did not attend church. He had personal doubts due to the death of his wife (I belive) but he would not confirm or deny anything because he knew it would be political suicide.

It is such a shame that in our country, religion is the absolute litmus test as there are much more important issues. I would certainly rather have an atheist as president than an addict, but for many faith is a deal-breaker.