thanks to my son i just learned something interesting.

that no atheist has been brave enough (or foolhardy enough) to declare their atheism while running for office; or if they did, they lost.

How on earth could they enforce that ridiculous unconstitutional requirement for a candidate?

my son and i are sitting across from each other; i'm doing homework, he's watching football and reading his reddit feeds.
i googled this:
Article 6, section 8 of the North Carolina constitution states: "The following persons shall be disqualified for office: First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God."

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2009/12/atheist_swears_affirms_oath_in_nc.html

but they can't HOLD office according to the law.

what amazes me the most is that as far as i know the law - clearly unconstitutional - has not been challenged. not so much that people in charge in this state are so full of their religiosity that they would make it a law.

I don't think any of the states that still have them on the books would dare to trigger them. I'm sure the ACLU has all the briefs pre-written and ready to roll, should they try.

Of course that didn't stop Texas (?I think it was them) from trotting out their ancient sodomy law not long ago. Frankly, I think the states should be required to hold a constitutional convention every 20 years, just to make sure that their legal foundations are up to snuff.

but considering the way the power in this state is sitting with virtual neanderthals, i'd hate to see the outcome of such a convention these days in NC.

Some states might need independent commissions to oversee the process . . . or UN Peacekeeping forces . . .

You don't have to profess the belief in Almighty God. But you can't "deny the being of Almighty God".

so you dare not say, "I do not believe in almighty god" - a fine distinction.

By the US Supreme Court in 1961 (Torcaso v. Watkins 376 US 488).

NC can't require a "religious test" for office even if they have retained that provision in the NC constitution.

Federal law trumps state law (especially when the state law is unconstitutional).

but, thank you for clearing that up.

And living in NC, you know that's not going to happen.

I moved here a year ago and I was simply amazed how crazy the RW religious fanatics were and the political power they wield.

I was planning on moving ASAP...... but I decided I'm going to stay and fight these SOBs!

Welcome to the resistance!

i got here 6 years ago and it's enough already for me - though i will be here for some time to come.