It is a matter of fact that the atheists get a free ride on the civility that a Christian culture elicits. If the entire nation went atheist, we would have anarchy. And the atheists are such self centered narcissists, they would not care until they were stabbed, robbed and dying on a cold sidewalk.
We have a number of Atheists here. At least at one point we did. I don’t want to lay it on too thick, but I lean in your direction here.
I’m not trying to say these are not good people. I just think it’s important in our mental framework, to recognize a higher authority. We answer to a father figure, a Heavenly Father figure. It’s something we consider as we go about our daily lives. Am I living up to my responsibility as elicited by our Father?
What higher authority does an Atheist recognize? I’m not an expert on it, but I don’t believe they do recognize a higher authority than themselves, other than a government figure or some such. I’m not sure how that figures in, but I think it’s important.
I’m not sure I am one to call myself atheist, but I would go so far to say, at the least, agnostic. Couple that with a (L) following...Either way, you paint with too broad of a brush re: self centered narcissists.
IMHO, science is never the final answer, and I have not see/read anything to firmly believe in a higher being. Not does that mean that one cancels out the other. Nor does that mean I am blind the ‘benefit’ of religion, as MOST religions espouse Hope and a code of conduct. Most of it, nor does it negate the verbiage of our Constitution. If fact, I abhor those that would use religion to supersede the Constitution (IE: ‘social safety net’ = Christian-like or Blue Laws [which I grew up with when I lived in MD])
*I* see no reason the demolish Mt. Soledad. In fact, I can see no reason why any like-minded individual (atheist/agnostic) would find offense to start, as the cross would represent...nothing. Other religions are free to setup their own memorials as well. I see yet *another* lawyer/judge over-stepping their authority and oath of office by clearly ignoring the 1st Amendment.
As a (L), there should be NO ‘national’ parks/etc., but neither should the taxpayers be on the hook (don’t get me started on property taxes :D). Revert it back to the people/group that bequeathed it originally. I’m sure there are more than enough volunteers to pay for the upkeep/maintenance/etc.
Now, as for the ‘raw meat’ example: Gov’t should not be recognizing holidays, they are to provide services to We the People. Let those that wish to take PTO, take it. That solves the 2.5x pay as well; it’s just another day or a day off. Unions and gov’t? Right out. Never is the taxpayer/Citizen represented when those two ‘negotiate’.