DH Templates - American Atheists/Agnostics, aren't you happy to live in the U.S.?

American Atheists/Agnostics, aren't you happy to live in the U.S.?

I know America has had the reputation of being a hotbed of religious nutjobs. However, compared to many countries around the world the U.S. fares better. For example: Sweden- is a constitutional monarchy and only a Christian can be the King. Als, at the beginning of each semester in public schools a sermon is held! It's considered tradition by Sweden. http://www.riksdagen.se/templates/R_PageExtended____6311.aspx Denmark: state church is subsidized by public funds and the state pays for salaries of bishops Egypt: has identity cards that identify each person as Muslim, Jewish, or Christian. No other entries are possible nor can you leave it blank. If you don't comply with this regulation, you will be denied a marriage certificate, passport, cannot be employed, or withdraw money from the bank Germany: has a church tax for all registered members of evangelical or Catholic churches. If you want to abandon, then you have to pay a fee http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/012999/012999f.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination_against_atheists http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/794rxekv.asp Not to mention in England, it has a state church and the queen is the head of that church. I'm an American Agnostic and I'm glad to be in the U.S.

Public Comments

I'm an American and I'm glad to be in the U.S. My philosophy or theology has nothing to do with my patriotism... :-)
Actually I miss living in Canada it was really nice there. And people were actually far more accepting or others. The Bard~
yeah, i'm happy. i don't feel like i have any less freedom than christians. and, if you live in the right place, you don't even have to deal with the fundies.
You raise interesting points. However, in all of those countries except Egypt, being an atheist is not something that makes you a pariah in society, and no elected official would dream of being guided by a religious doctrine when making law. And even if I was a Christian in Sweden, I doubt I could become king anyway. But I am quite happy living in the US.
In the US, we have those kinds of things too. We're just not as out in the open with it. Here are some examples: Government-sponsored "National Day of Prayer" Churches are not taxed (a backdoor way of funding them) Government funding of "faith-based charities" Military clergy on the government payroll Strong evangelical lobby in Washington Display of religious symbols on public property Religious slogans on money and in the Pledge of Allegiance Daily prayer in Congress Taxpayer funding of religious schools President openly proclaims his belief that atheists should not be considered citizens and that his actions are directed by god Use of Bible in swearing-in ceremonies for public office
I think the point many of atheists try in vain to make is that we are proud to live in a free society and want to KEEP IT THAT WAY. So we don't become theocracies like other nations. Peace.
Well, actually there's still a law in a lot of american states that says an atheist can't run for office.
I love the US,kinda not happy with the current direction we're heading,but love it nonetheless.I get rather sick when I see comments about "this is a Christian nation"and even more drastic"Atheists,if you don't like Christianity,why don't you move to China"Usually by some 6th grade educated Jethro Bodine type,living at mom's,never worked for a damn thing.Seeing as I spent 20 years in service to this country,have NEVER gotten a penny from any social programs,and more than likely have already paid more in taxes than their lazy butts will make in their useless lifetimes,I find it offensive that such useless people are living in MY country.Citizenship,it's not just a word,it's something you DO.
As an Agnostic, I'm proud to say that I am. I just wish that we had an Atheist or Agnostic president; assuming all other qualifications are met.
In other words, "Just be happy with the scraps you're thrown, because it's suckier elsewhere". Will floggings continue until morale improves?