Elizabeth Mannering: Milbank's flippant tone toward atheists offensive

[cleanhippie]

As an atheist, I was dismayed and disgusted by the flippant tone of Dana Milbank's Thursday column, "A cause for nonbelievers." He seems to think we are a group of silly children, making much ado about nothing.

Does it really surprise him that we may not appreciate the constant and pervasive references to religion in all aspects of daily life? Or that the phrase "in God we trust" excludes us, as though we are not also law-abiding, patriotic taxpayers who have fought for our country, given to charities and established homes and businesses?

Identity politics aside, studies have shown atheists to be among the most distrusted and despised minorities in the United States. No wonder it has only been in recent years that more of us have decided enough is enough, and declared to the public: "You know, I'm an atheist."

By identifying myself as an atheist, I am not robbing anyone of their religious freedom, or their right to free expression. I would hope that by so doing, I can share my essential humanity, dignity and self-worth.

We are your neighbors, your teachers, your financial advisers, your physicians, your friends and your family. We are often bewildered not only by the hatred and vitriol directed at us, but by the condescending attitudes of people like Milbank.

— Elizabeth Mannering, Madison

Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/opinion/mailbag/elizabeth-mannering-milbank-s-flippant-tone-toward-atheists-offensive/article_803c72d8-1252-11e2-940e-001a4bcf887a.html#ixzz28uGRBhZl

[rug]

1. While I agree, I can't help but note the irony of taking offense.