Why can't atheists get any leverage ?

[Solly Mack]

28. If they kiss my ass it would mean the same thing.

But I don't need my ass kissed either.

Some politicians pander to the religious right and to do so they have to appeal to some truly base and bigoted thinking. Downright obsequious in many cases.

What I need are politicians that work for the common good of America, where ALL Americans are respected and their needs considered. Where there is no room for pandering to the lowest common denominator because appeals to prejudice are considered insulting. (wishful thinking, I know)

That doesn't take pandering - that just takes the recognition that things like discrimination are very bad for America.

A politician acknowledging that some Americans are atheists and that they are often subject to the whims (such as Bush's statement) of bigots isn't pandering - merely acknowledging a fact.

It could very well be that you're using the word pander to mean something other than how I think of the word. I hear 'pander' and I think of politicians saying anything and everything just to get a vote or money.

Give me actions - positive action that demonstrates a commitment to addressing (and working to correct) things like discrimination. Don't pander to me by telling me what you think I want to hear. I find that insulting.

I shouldn't have to have power or leverage or influence to have a voice or place in my government. To be seen as a citizen worthy of full rights.