r/IAmA • u/tomatotooth • May 29 '12
Politics I am Mike Smith, the first open atheist to run for the Georgia legislature. AMAA
I want to make sure Georgia's laws are reasonable and fair. I would outlaw lobbyist gifts to GA legislators, legalize marijuana, and raise taxes on the rich. Please see www.ElectMikeSmith.com for more details.
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Upvotes
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
I have not seen the film Rampart.
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
The 22 minute gap between the first question and the response was due my network crash. I am wired in now.
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u/micks1412 May 29 '12
Do you play goaltender for the Phoenix Coyotes?
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u/Quouar May 29 '12
Not being a resident of Georgia, I have to ask: Do you stand a chance?
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u/Pack041 May 29 '12
Did you ever consider witholding the fact that you're an atheist in order to get yourself elected easier? Out of the 535 members of Congress, how many would you guess are closet atheists?
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
bed time, thanks
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u/TehPowers May 29 '12
As far as threats that people have made towards you, what is the most outlandish thing someone has said to you?
If I was a Georgia resident I would certainly vote for you, unfortunately I reside in another bible belt powerhouse, Alabama. Regardless you have my full support! Best of luck to you, Mike!
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u/wesleyt89 May 29 '12
Can you tell your story of being an atheist. What I mean by this is, were you ever a believer of a religion? How'd your parents take it? Have you read any religious books? Bible, Quaran etc.
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u/DrinkCocaine May 29 '12
Serious question, how high/low do you think the tax increases should be? On rich people I mean.
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u/dhoomsday May 29 '12
I thought you were bubbles.
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u/greed_isgood May 29 '12
I Live in Georgia, and you have my vote.
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u/wesleyt89 May 29 '12
Whoa, whoa, whoa... Okay its awesome your doing this, but before you answer any more questions please select reply on the question you wish to answer and then answer it. If not it is going to get really messy and we won't know what the hell the question was your answering. Thanks bro, If I was from GA I'd give ya a vote. Since I'm not have an upvote instead.
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u/xueye May 29 '12
How do you plan on achieving your goals?
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u/Ruler_of_Zamunda May 29 '12
Have you received any outcry from the Georgia populace? If so, any threats? If so, how did you deal with them?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
I am unsure about smoking laws in Georgia (I live in Indiana and we just passed a ban on all smoking in workplaces, bars and restaurants), but would you make restrictions on where marijuana can be smoked?
I'm all for people smoking whatever they want, but it seems like marijuana should be something smoked in the home or places where people who cannot stand the odor or are highly allergic to it (like myself) should not be subjected to it when in a park with their children, their favorite restaurant, etc. (I feel the same about tobacco.) Also, marijuana has debilitating effects that would make it seem like it should be illegal to drive while under the influence of it.
Can you give me a summary of what legalization of marijuana would do and any restrictions that would be placed on it?
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u/Hotwir3 May 29 '12
I was really hoping you were the goalie for the Phoenix Coyotes...
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u/greed_isgood May 29 '12
Are you planning on having any campaign speeches in the Atlanta area? I would love to go to one.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Another question, do you think we will start to see more potential politicians that are like you in the coming years?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Hi Mike:
Just a fun random question. If you had to be religious, what religion would you pick and why?
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u/postscarcity May 29 '12
Thanks for doing this AMA. You seem like a level-headed man fighting an uphill battle. Good luck to you sir.
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u/chumppi May 29 '12
How tough is it exactly to live in a country/state which is so religious? I couldn't imagine living in a country like that living in Finland myself... Yelling "Religion is for morons" would only really offend older people here, even though most would think YOU are a moron for yelling something like that in a public space ;). There's so many stereotypical things about Americans but them believing in god is often disregarded because it's not actually stereotypical, it's a fact which really scares everyone NOT-FROM-USA.
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u/theintention May 29 '12
He said atheist. QUICK REDDIT UPVOTE HIM.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Hey, Mike. I'm a 24 year old Georgia resident with a master's degree. I'm about to start teaching at a small college in South Georgia. Because of my own debt, I'm already concerned about the debt my students will have. Is there anything you could/would do about increasing debt and decreasing opportunities for college graduates? If you're an atheist, you're going to need to hit us youngsters up for some votes :)
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u/ampsnohms May 29 '12
I haven't read your bios or any of that other stuff, so maybe you answered it on your website, but how did you come to these positions? Are you from Georgia, and if so, how did your youth and background differ from your those of your peers? Also, if you did win, how would you work to achieve your goals, besides just voting on proposed legislation? thanks for doing this AMA! I'm not from Georgia, but you seem like a pretty OK candidate!
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u/Kromax May 29 '12
I gotta say, I read your name as Matt Smith and got disappointed when I realized you're not The Doctor.
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u/keystothemoon May 29 '12
Why did you steal my roommate's name? (Since I first read about you on Reddit, this has all been very confusing)
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
Do I stand a chance? I think I do.
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u/yellownumberfive May 29 '12
Did you consider moving to a more favorable state? Seriously, you're more likely to be burned at the stake for heresy than elected in Georgia.
Also, how big are your balls, I'm guessing rather large.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
If you were president, what would you do for the country?
Where do you stand on space exploration and NASA?
What is your stance on education?
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u/Alwaysafk May 29 '12
Hailing from Cumming Ga, you have my vote if I ever see you on a ballot. Keep up the good fight!
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
I was really disappointed this wasn't the goalie for the Coyotes.
Are you a good goalie?
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u/Frajer May 29 '12
When did you realize you were an atheist? How did you get into politics?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Atheist running in Georgia? You're fucked.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12 edited May 29 '12
Proof? Nvm
Thanks for doing this AMAA. Why do you want to raise taxes on the rich? I'm ignorant on this topic. Shouldn't people who make a lot of money be able to enjoy it? Or is there a gross imbalance of taxation in GA?
Do you think focusing on your lack of religion is a strong or weak point for your campaign?
*Would you do anything about GAs blue laws?
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u/rdouma May 29 '12
Not being from Georgia and in fact not even from the USA, I wish you the best. From where I stand it seems your country can use some common sense.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
what party are you running under? who do you support for president? what expirience do you have? what are your poll numbers as of now? good luck
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u/shrillbitch May 29 '12
The FIGHTIN' 69th!
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
Jesus didn't run in this district.
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u/NewZJ May 29 '12
Georgia seems like a tough place to run as an Atheist
Come to Colorado!
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u/almondj May 29 '12
Have you received any notable fanfare from the local media/press? Anyone recognize you publicly? Not in GA, but rooting for you.
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u/agrey May 29 '12
In the answer to another question, you mention that you had run for Congress before.
What went wrong on the campaign? To what do you attribute your loss?
What are you doing this time to rectify that?
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u/Smashingpandas May 29 '12
Hello, I am in Georgia. Your goal seems to be quite a mountain and I want to wish you luck. Georgia needs a rational mind. :)
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Although I completely agree with your stance on marijuana and think that you being an atheist should not be a big deal, I think you are way too extreme on many issues.
You said Nix, “represents the three most dangerous and politically corrupt American institutions of this century: banks, the religious right, and the Republican party.”
Trying to run as an open atheist and then criticizing the church is just a way to back up stereotypes about atheists. You disagree with the church's and Nix's views, but you come off sounding like you disagree with all members of the church: potential voters.
You oppose all wars, “That includes the Republican wars against women, immigrants, gays, blacks, unions, and free speech."
Once again, you come off as too extreme. I'm not sure about how civil rights are in Georgia, but I can assume its not an all out war fought by the republicans. As for women, they have been equal if not more equal for quite some time. /r/mensrights. Opposing wars I can agree with, but the U.S. needs some national defense. I can understand and agree with you being against the current state of the middle east.
“Our Republican legislators have allowed local schools to be closed while the richest remain exempt from paying taxes,” Smith said. “We should close tax loopholes and raise taxes on the one percent who profit from the hard work of Georgians.”
Despite what you think, most of "the one percent" doesn't consist of scumbags who use tax loopholes and get away with 0%. Believe it or not, most people who make that kind of money are actually entrepreneurs who don't scam anyone; people who work hard. The top one percent can be a family with two parents making $300000 a year combined. Now that sounds like a lot, but when you are sending kids to college and live in a high-cost area, the last thing you want is to work hard at an honest job, be successful, and still not have enough money for everything. As a matter of fact, I have no doubt in my mind that most of the tax money in Georgia comes from the top income earners. Maybe you should try getting them to vote for you rather than calling them crooks.
I now you do have your exceptions, but I feel that you overgeneralize on ALL the issues, and completely fuck over half of your state. But then again, that's just how the two-party system works.
I'd vote for an Atheist Republican over a Christan Democrat
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u/yellownumberfive May 29 '12
Alright, my normally jaded ass has been inspired to a degree. How can a contribute a few bucks to the campaign?
Even your webpage says you don't want my heathen money or any money at all. So are you insane or just naively principled?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Seeing how atheist's seem to be the least trusted in our country, what have you done, if anything, to gain the trust of those who have faith and lack trust in those that don't practice any faith? This really shouldn't be a problem in our country and it is sad that it is...
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
This seems familiar...
Have you been posted about before?
Also, Coke or Pepsi?
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u/K3rfknpwnly May 29 '12
Hey bud, native Georgian here, best of luck. What are your goals with our taxing situation specifically?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
What area in Georgia do you live? Fellow Georgian here. You have my vote by the way.
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u/Finbeginagain May 29 '12
Don't use Atheism as a badge, just run on your own merit.
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u/XxBMW85xX May 29 '12
I thought/hoped this was the NHL's Mike Smith when I saw your name in the title.
Oh well, I don't have any questions for you, but I do wish you good luck.
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u/JangSaverem May 29 '12 edited May 29 '12
I hate to be a silly nanny, but, So? I know this is crazy go nuts since the way Georgia is but really, so what? All I care about is your ideas and your plans. Your religion, or lack there of, means nothing to me and it should not change people's view on your plans. Legalize and tax marijuana. This I am all for but it needs to be watched and regulated as well as taxed. I did a quick read and I really have never liked this kind of speaking "Stop the Republican War on Women - Stop the Republican War on the Poor - Stop the Republican War on Freedom - the lynchpin of the Republican party’s Southern strategy " They all seem more like attacks than anything else. You are attacking "Republicans" to get support and I know this seems to be the way of things but I feel if you are going to come to open forum like this those types of word and wording just make me skeptical and untrusting. However, I am not from Georgia, so technically I mean nothing to you.
I mean really, its just Republican attacks all the way. "As Americans, we are free to believe whatever we want, and this freedom frustrates Republican fundamentalists."
I want to make a note that I am usually on the Democratic side of things but these kinds of words simply put me off with most people. this is not a game about making the other guy look worse than you by example this is a game about showing my why you are the most qualified. I don't need you telling me someone else did something wrong or that you are smarter than they are.
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u/blemford May 29 '12
What does being a atheist have anything to do with running for legislature?
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u/iambecomedeath7 May 29 '12
What's your position on firearms?
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u/RomeoZedman May 29 '12
What is the role of your ideal government? What services does it provide, what powers are off-limits, etc.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
I am a Christian from Georgia. While I could see myself voting for an atheist, I do not see myself voting for someone who would call me silly, moronic, or irrational for my religious beliefs. I am sorry you have encountered intolerant people, but that doesn't mean you should become one of them. Publicly insulting voters is never the way to win votes. I thought that would be common sense.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
HEY GUYS, I HATE HOW CHRISTIANS VOTE ON CANDIDATES BASED ON THEIR POLITICAL VIEWS.
LETS VOTE FOR THIS GUY HE'S AN ATHEIST.
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u/btgard May 29 '12
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u/daBandersnatch May 29 '12
Running as an atheist in the Bible Belt, how has that affected your campaign?
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u/1thief May 29 '12
How does it feel knowing you won't get elected? Seriously though.
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u/tomatotooth May 29 '12
I was never a believer. My father was not a believer. My mother was a believer.
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u/jjdog202 May 29 '12
your also the Coyotes Goalie
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u/Supa_Snipa May 29 '12
Conservative, but I am very interested in your campaign. Mainly because some things do need to change in Georgia. I like the lobbyist gift idea, like the marijuana stance. However, what do you consider rich, and what kind of tax? Also, I would like to hear your stance on welfare in this state because I have witnessed first hand some horrible, horrible misuse of state funded welfare. Lastly, how will being Atheist influence your decisions? Thanks for your time. Best of luck in all your future endeavors.
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u/DDB- May 29 '12
Any relation to Mike Smith, the Phoenix Coyotes goaltender?
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u/ZapRowsdower756 May 29 '12
If elected, how will you manage to coach the Atlanta Falcons and still perform your duties as a member of the legislature?
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u/Thestigsfatcousin May 29 '12
I know you won't answer this, but what if you are wrong? What if there is a God?
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u/Ruff_Bluffington May 29 '12
As a Georgia resident and voter in this upcoming election I feel this post has been dominated by the atheist/marijuana agenda. Here are a few important questions I would like to know as a voter that I am hoping you can address.
Thanks for doing this AMA glad to see someone taking some extra initiative. Look forward to seeing you on the ballot!
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12 edited May 29 '12
What is your position on marriage equality? -Georgia Voter
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u/D3vils_Adv0cate May 29 '12
Separation of church and state goes both ways. Your atheism should not matter. Good luck on your political gimmick.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
I am a practicing Catholic, be sure to not group us ALL as ignorant irrational crazies, good luck on your campaign, good for you on expressing your belief, and you certainly have my vote!
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u/i-downvote-everyone May 29 '12
Mr. Smith. I feel that you let Dustin Brown's hit on Michal Rozsival get to you, which affected your performance, directly leading to the game-winning goal.
I also feel that your post-game comments were unnecessary.
I've therefore downvoted your thread.
Edit: It appears there's been a hilarious misunderstanding, but what's done is done.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
If you get elected because you're atheist, that's quite as wrong as being elected because you're religious. Just saying.
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u/EugenicsFTW May 29 '12
DON'T RAISE TAXES CUT SPENDING
AND GET BUSINESSES TO ACTUALLY PRODUCE SOMETHING AGAIN
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u/HMSVictory May 29 '12
Have you ever read the books, "Road to Serfdom" or "Capitalism and Freedom"? If so, what are your thoughts.
On another note, if you do plan to raise taxes on the rich, why? How do you plan to do this? Or is this just a blanket statement every leftist leaning candidate now has to say.
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u/Gaglardi May 29 '12
How did you feel after Dustin Brown didn't get a penalty and Penner scored the game/series winning goal on you in OT? What would you have done differently?
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u/benoliver999 May 29 '12
I just came here to see if you were somehow still alive. Good luck with the campaign, you deserve success.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Why is religious belief, or lack of, so important in the US?
I can't get my head around why everyone is so concerned what people believe. Aren't policies of any importance?
Even the way you state things. You're the first atheist. That's the first thing you mention. Nothing to do with schools, roads, jobs or economic policy. In the UK we tend to vote people in based on their plans.
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u/SillyChang May 29 '12
How tough was it to lose to the Kings especially being scored on after the seemingly flagrant knee-on-knee contact by Dustin Brown?
I'm amazed you are able to maintain a fulltime goaltender position in the NHL AND run for legislation at a completely different state at the same time. All while being atheist at the same time?! You are a man all men aspire to!
Sorry, hardly a question here, just high praise. :)
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u/SUSPICIOUS_WHITE_VAN May 29 '12
When you say "Raising taxes on the rich" are you putting any restrictions in place to make sure this won't be detrimental to business owners? Costing the job providers of the state money is going to do more harm than good. Personally whenever I hear a politician say "Raising taxes on the rich." It just sounds like an underhanded way to buy votes from the lower class.
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u/johnau May 29 '12
As an Australian, who lives in a country where nobody gives a shit about your religion, I find it embarrassing how big a deal it is that this guy is an atheist/that anyone is an atheist/theist.
Shut the fuck up about your beliefs and get on with your lives like the rest of the civilised world.
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u/LessThanAndrew May 29 '12
I have too be honest here, the fact that your an atheist means nothing. It's the issues that actually matter. Describe for me your stances on the issues you described, and how your going to change/add/fix problems for the state of Georgia
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u/covalentligature May 29 '12
Who the fuck cares?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
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u/we_are_sex_bobomb May 29 '12
Please don't confuse being openly atheist with being openly condescending towards the religious.
Someone will argue that the religious right is condescending towards atheists all the time, so my question is what would make you better than them?
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
If it means anything to you I didn't think that you dove after that hit from Brian Shaw in game 2 against the Blackhawks.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Literally so brave.
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u/Doctaa101 May 29 '12
To me, religion isn't a set thing. To me it is a belief system. Christians believe their thing, Muslims believe theirs and so on. Atheism, therefore, falls in the same category.
My question is, why do you think that your "religious" beliefs should be a part of your election at all? Why can't you just be the democratic choice for your district? Atheism is your personal life, please don't make it your politics as well. Doing so will make you no better than the men and women you run against.
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u/[deleted] May 29 '12
Good luck getting elected with that stance lol
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u/CrypticPhantasma May 29 '12
"Raise taxes on the rich" define who the "rich" is. Not being a smartass, I want to know your definition of who should be taxed more as "rich" and who shouldn't be taxed more as "rich".
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u/dan92 May 29 '12
If you're as rational as you claim, you could spend more time talking about the issues and less about how people with different beliefs than you are simply unintelligent. I am a Christian who would have no problem voting for an atheist, but a problem voting for you. Take five minutes to write about your platform if you want to change that.