So taboo, that no public official would ever admit to it

[scheming daemons]

There's something that is so taboo, so distasteful to a majority of Americans, that those who are like this dare not admit it publicly because of the repercussions for their career, their family life, and their friendships.

Those that publicly come out and admit they are like this are sometimes:

- shunned by co-workers and acquaintances
- disowned by family members
- denied employment
- deemed unelectable for most public offices
- sometimes even physically accosted or even killed

When I came out to my parents that I was like this, my mother didn't talk to me for a month. Even now, whenever we talk, she peppers the conversation with scripture in a weak attempt to get me to change.

It is something only my closest friends know about me. Shamefully, I sometimes pretend to be something I am not in order to avoid public scrutiny or lose friends.

I am not alone. Public officials who are like me in this regard often stage photo ops to make it appear to the public that they are just like everyone else. They'll say things they know are not true about themselves in order to avoid losing their jobs.

With all this talk about "is she or isn't she?" regarding Elena Kagan, there is one thing that she could never admit to without immediately disqualifying herself for consideration for the Supreme Court.

Homosexuality? Goodness no.


I'm speaking of atheism.


I defy anyone to name one prominent political figure that has admitted to being an atheist and still managed to hold on to their position.


I long for the day when the Constitution's prohibition of a religious litmus test as a qualification for high office is actually true in practice, instead of just in theory.