Richard Dawkins On Electability & Status Of Atheists

[skywize]

"...organizing Atheists is like herding cats." ROFL! Too true! As for electability, I don't really understand it. There are far more Atheists than I would have previously imagined in the U.S.. There should be a very good chance of electing one since they will have a pretty loyal following... considering the alternatives...

[SlappyThePenguin]

I'm proud to be an Australian. Our Prime Minister is an open Atheist and it didn't hinder her being ellected into the top job.

On a side note, she may be the worst leader this country has ever had, but it has nothing to do with her religious, or lack of religious beliefs.

[ComputerScience54]

religion and electability has absolutely nothing to do with religion, but everything to do with the VALUES religion is supposed to have. thus, a religion person has certain values. the rest is just mythological nonsense...

[Diomedes01]

I would go a little further and say that many other religions are ALSO unelectable in the USA. What chance would a Muslim have in running for a major office? Or a Hindu? Even a Buddhist.

There has always been a general mistrust amongst the US population regarding what religious affiliation a candidate needs to have to be electable. Mitt Romney has issues with his Mormonism when viewed by other Christian sects. So its not necessarily unique to atheism.

[Shavarnarak]

I dispute the idea that atheists are the least trusted minority. I don't buy that research. It IS true America doesn't like atheists, but I've yet to hear a story about atheists having the shit beaten out of them for being atheists. And whilst I'm sure some people would do that, I think the risk for gay people is MUCH higher.

Actually I think both gay and for that matter black/minority people face far more trouble in PRACTiCE then atheists.

And I am an atheist myself.

[Shavarnarak]

@Shavarnarak

I don't even think atheists would be that unelectable in the US. I think ALOT of people would be THRILLED to vote for someone who actively and aggressively opposes the religious right for example, because the rest of America HATES those fuckers, and is more then sick of their bullying. So they may say they won't vote for an atheist, but when one is actually on the bill that might be very different.

[nicksynnz]

I am an atheist, and have come up with foul mouthed atheists at PZ Myers Blog Pharyngula. No wonder why US people have problems with the atheists there.. I do as well and have more empathy with Creationists. The moderators on Dawkins forum are a little better but something strange is going on there, very strange.

[On1yCheryl]

I would never vote for those who pontificate their religious delusions as they have no moral character.

[MrJohnnyrace]

RELIGION = DELUSION

[AustralianPyro]

athiesim isnt pesamistic, its REALISTIC.

[Claire1Rogers]

its stupid. VERY stupid indeed.

[TheHabbadasher]

In what way?

[Joerexia]

I think a Church of Reality is an awesome idea.

[AClarke2007]

It`s comming soon!

[jimbobeire]

@Joerexia I bet it's the only church that wouldn't get tax free status.

[patrickledford420]

@Joerexia some religious bigot would burn it down and claim that they were doing gods work

[Phoenixwright4ever]

Brilliant vid! Dawkins ftw!!!

[dococksmother]

OMG! That sounds amazing, I want a secularist funeral.

[Katalyzt]

★★★★★