No Shirt, No Shoes, No God, No Problem

I've long been a fan of local Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont), but I like him even more today. Congressman Stark had the courage to admit that he does not believe in a Supreme Being, and where and when have any of you seen a politician with the guts to come out and say something like that?

I have no doubt that he will become a target for ridicule and all sorts of negative aspersions cast by sanctimonious politicians and religious charlatans everywhere for this statement, but in my book, he's right. Not only that, but he's brave to go on record stating his beliefs (or non-belief), especially in an era when most American politicians feel they have to swear allegiance to the Baby Jesus above even the Constitution to get and stay in office. This nation's government and political institutions have been largely co-opted by religious fundamentalists over the past 20 years or so, and religious fundamentalism in any of its incarnations has been proven time and time again to be dangerous to the health and sanity of a nation and its people. It's therefore a breath of fresh air for an elected official like Congressman Stark to distance himself from the chattering ignorami who continue to wallow in their superstitious beliefs and, worse, attempt to force them on others. Given the same opportunity to state their own beliefs, most current politicians would choose simply to pander to believers and mouth pious platitudes, regardless of whether or not their own personal views match those of their constituents'. Pete Stark has the courage to say what he really thinks. Bravo for that.

You go, Pete!