I agree with what you said about atheists, since I am one. What's really bizarre, is that this so called "Athiest Movement" is taking on the worst traits and zealotry of religoius extremists...Why can't they just go on not believing as they see fit and leave everyone else alone?
I think that many atheists actually are envious and therefore hateful towards people who believe in God. This transcends any political or constitutional issues.
As someone who doesnt believe in god myself, all I expect from this society is that no one force me into a church/temple or mosque; that my "lack of religion" doesnt hold me back from availing myself of what this country has to offer. Any so-called atheist movement that suggests that they are in any way being religously,constrained,perscecuted or coerced in this country, is either delusional or simply driven by hatred.
I am not "offended" by the fact that others speak the name of god in public places. Even if I were offended, the constitution cannot and does not protect us all from being "offended"
This is all I have to say on this. I hope that the religious folks here don't lump "atheists" into one pot...we're not all fanatics. Some of us are even conservatives.
My dissertation looked at values and their . . . consequences.
I looked at atheists, agnostics and some well defined Christian groups.
In the process I investigated atheist publications--I think it was the American Atheist or some such.
Of course I was looking at Pentecostal groups, too.
Interestingly--and shockingly, to me--if one changed just a few words--maybe less than 15 specific words and phrases in the AMERICAN ATHEIST publications--they would read identical to the fiercest, most strident Pentecostal publications.
It was quite a shock to me.
A number of values tend to be a lot like a horsehoe--the ends, extremes can be closer together than they are to the middle.
BTW, I GREATLY appreciate your rather sensible and balanced, healthy attitude and perspective.