Thank you, President Obama!

In today’s radio address, President Obama spoke of the Ft. Hood tragedy. While doing so, he made reference to the great diversity of the American military by saying … “They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers.”

I join with my friend Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, in publicly thanking President Obama for our inclusion.

From Ed Buckner’s letter:

Nonbelievers go by a variety of labels — Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists, Rationalists — and we make up more than 15% of the population. We thank the president for including us in the diverse population that is the people of the United States. We appreciate the fact that President Obama has acknowledged what we have always known: Of course there are Atheists in foxholes, and there are and always have been men and women who have worn the uniform of this nation and have served with courage in the military and in many other ways.”

In the same letter, the Military Director for American Atheists, Kathleen Johnson who happens to be a civilian employee at Ft. Hood, also spoke to religious harassment that takes place in the military.

There have been serious problems in the past with religious proselytizing, mostly Christian fundamentalists,” said Ms. Johnson. “The tragedy of Ft. Hood claimed soldiers regardless of what they believe in respect to religion, though. Our armed forces — at all levels — need to be united. It’s good to know that our Commander-in-Chief shares that vision.”

If you’re not a member of American Atheists, I encourage you to join.

Brother Richard