President Obama on Atheism | Real Time with Bill Maher (Web Exclusive)

[Behind the Aegis]

Thoughts? I didn't think it was too bad, but I really didn't like the comment about atheists not being a persecuted group. In fighting bigotry, it should have to be about level of persecution or certain acts before it "becomes" important. There are still states with laws prohibiting atheists from holding office.

Overall, it is an interesting conversation. The entire conversation is posted in "Video & Multimedia."

[Warren DeMontague]

1. I think Obama gave some GREAT answers.

Damn, that's a smart man. Seriously.

[SusanCalvin]

2. "Whether there is active persecution" my ass.

Step out of the closet and find out.



(That's as far as I listened.)

[progressoid]

3. Yeah, you can tell he's a good politician.

Tries to appease Bill (not too successfully) while not alienating the religious.

I give it a "meh".

[FigTree]

4. Boils down to don't ask-don't tell. nt.

[AtheistCrusader]

5. I'm not persecuted.

But a lot of atheists in this country are, and do not have the privileges I do. White, male, upper-middle class, living in Seattle of all places, and I'm a bit of an asshole that will defend himself every time, and damn the consequences, even if it means alienation from friends and family, because fuck it, principle is more reliable and interesting to me than family.

No. I'm not persecuted. People tend to leave me the fuck alone, like people don't go around slapping porcupines, or kicking wolverines.

Part of what makes me such a to-the-bone-asshole is how I see most of the country treating other atheists that are not me.

I see you fuckers. I see your fuckery, and I am not amused.