[microgood]

They are distressed over polls that show that at least half of Americans are unwilling to vote for an atheist despite the Constitution's requirement that there be no religious test for public office.

Huh, I thought you could vote for anyone you wanted to.

When it comes to the parks and recreation supervisors, I always vote for the one with a nickname like "Dusty" or "Bud".

[Auntie Dem]

They are distressed over polls that show that at least half of Americans are unwilling to vote for an atheist despite the Constitution's requirement that there be no religious test for public office.

Huh, I thought you could vote for anyone you wanted to.

Tell that to Reed Smoot, a Mormon apostle (and NOT a polygamist) elected as a senator from Utah in 1902, but not allowed to be seated in the senate until 1907. Simply, and ONLY because he was a Mormon.

It seems it is consitutional to bar some religions from government. At least if it's not your religion.

[Mr. Silverback]

despite the Constitution's requirement that there be no religious test for public office.

Huh, I thought you could vote for anyone you wanted to.

Yes, one could make a very long list of things of things one can do or believe which do not prevent them from holding office but would prevent them from winning any election anywhere for any position. If Dawkins and Harris are so distressed by this, perhaps they should consider the possibility that voters think atheist candidates would be arrogant hateful jihadis like Dawkins and Harris. When people think of atheism, especially when it's coupled with politics, they think of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, Michael Newdow, etc., etc.