Valerie H, Bluffton, SC
I… am SO happy to see so many different atheist groups speaking out, doing good things in the community and educating the public on the fact that atheists can be just as good as the most devout christian out there! There will be many ignorant posts on this site from “christians” who can’t wait to see the atheists burn in hell for their mistake of disbelief, but as far as I’m concerned, this only confirms my feeling that this is a desperate attempt to strike out at something that they cannot combat with any form of reason… Atheists unite!!!!

cleareye, Camano Island, WA
Religionists of all stripes have labored for centuries to equate atheism with amorality and evil. Given the wealth and power of the organized churches, it’s been a pretty successful PR campaign, shoving non-believers into the closet (or, in less civilized times and places, simply killing them). Atheists will only overcome the prejudice by organizing ourselves and demonstrating our goodwill. I’m glad we’re starting to do so.

SW in Lake Forest Park, Lake Forest Park, WA
Atheists, Jews, Pagans… I think we all just want a little recognition from the Majority that our beliefs and practices are welcome and valid within our collective society. …While I don’t appreciate the antagonistic nature of some of the atheist signs and actions, I do appreciate their drive for recognition in a season when the Christian majority aserts their entitlement over not just one holy day, but more than an entire month.

houseofclams, Seattle, WA
I am a law-abiding citizen… a charitable donor to my local food bank, give to national and international relief efforts… I am deeply ethical, intensely moral, a loving and giving human being who seeks out even the smallest opportunities to give kindness because life is too short for small-heartedness. I do it not because a book told me to, or a pastor told me to, or a church threatened me to; I do it because I am human, intuitively wired to aid my own species, and because I am American, similarly wired to believe that with just a little help, anyone has the potential to better themselves. I am a humanist, choosing to do the right thing in this life not out of fear or eternal reward, but because it is its OWN reward. I am an American Atheist, and wear the distinction with pride.

citizenk, Seattle, WA
Every discussion of religious symbols being displayed in public ends up this way… Public buildings are a place for the administration of the business of the people. Why should they be pressed into service as billboards for ANY private opinion? It’s not as though we as Americans lack any other place to display celebrations of our religious beliefs. Churches by the thousand and front yards by the million freely and abundantly sport nativity scenes, brilliantly lit Christmas displays, Menorahs, pagan symbols of all sorts and even (gasp!) nothing at all…Religion in a free society doesn’t need that dubious help to spread its message. Does it?

chrysantha, Bellevue, WA
Mr. Westneat’s observation that when it comes to religion we cannot get along seems to be an accurate appraisal. I think that it has been graphically demonstrated that the state capitol is not the right forum for religious discussion… I don’t think that the state of Washington has any business hosting or moderating philosophical squabbles- not even in the name of free speech. The attempt to please all does not foster self-control, empathy, cooperation or wisdom… Perhaps we reevaluate if there should be any religious display at all at the Capitol Building.

squirl033, kirkland, WA
seems atheists, homosexuals, and Critical Mass all have one thing in common… they go out of their way to alienate and anger ordinary people who just happen not to believe as they do… there’s more than enough hate being spewed by those intolerant of others’ political ideologies, we don’t need to add religious intolerance to the mix. that goes for all you devoutly religious folks, too… chill out, and learn to let others believe as they choose. you won’t change their minds by quoting verses, and you sure as hell won’t do it by insulting, degrading, or preaching to them.

mariner fan in germany, Grafenwoehr
Atheist club !!! Since they don’t believe in God !!! They must just sit around and think of the next way to piss off all of us that believe !!! What ever you believe or not is your business !!!! I’m not going to let those atheists ruin my Christmas !!!! Oh by the way, To all those who believe have a MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!! To the ones that don’t have a nice vacation at Christmas time !!!!!!

clive dexx, Seattle, WA
Okay!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!! Have a Merry Christmas too!!!!!!!

Mikeytheman, Vancouver, WA
Hey Athiests, Jesus hates you!

DawnBringer, Seattle, WA
…These atheists are acting more fundamentalist than many many religions. It is the fanatical belief that they have the sole ownership of “TRUTH”. This leads to horrors and destruction, as has been shown repeatedly throughout history. The idea that 98% of the world is under some sort of mass delusion seems pretty unlikely…