AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
PRESS RELEASE
MAY 8, 1999

http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

AMERICAN ATHEISTS PRAISE GOV. VENTURA
BLAST JERRY FALWELL

        American Atheists today praised Gov. Jesse Ventura of Minnesota for
breaking the ranks and refusing to declare, as a public official, a "Day of
Prayer" this past Thursday, May 6.
        In an Associated Press report, Gov. Ventura was quoted as saying, "I
believe in the separation of church and state. There are people out there
who are Atheists, who don't believe at all.  They are all citizens of
Minnesota and I have to respect that."
        Ron Barrier, National Spokesman for American Atheists called Gov.
Ventura "courageous" and a "real American patriot."
        "This is a man who fully realizes that our society is diverse.  Like
Thomas Jefferson, he is truly a brave and courageous man who understands
that the First Amendment protects everyone, not just a select few," added
Mr. Barrier.
        "He is the first elected official in a long, long time who is
unafraid not to kowtow to religious interests.  We need more elected
officials like him."
        Meanwhile, Jerry Falwell, ersatz preacher and TV personality, in his
electronic journal of May 7, called all non-Christians "haters of Christ"
and instructed 80,000 high school students in Pontiac, Michigan to publicly
disrupt the nation's high school classrooms with excessive proselytizing.
        In his "Take Back America's Children" program, Falwell, along with
the Christian Lawyers Association and the Liberty Counsel will embark in a
pogrom to go after minor children in the public schools, especially
non-Christian minors.
        Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists and mother of two
children noted that "Mr. Falwell's agenda is designed to prey upon minor
children, especially in the classroom when they are not under their parents'
supervision."
        "Mr. Falwell and his minions are exploiting the Columbine High School
tragedy by labelling anyone who doesn't agree with his theocratic agenda as
'haters of Christ.'
        "Our children need more role models like Gov. Ventura, who exhibits
courage, independent thought, and respect for the Constitution, and less
like Mr. Falwell, whose qualities include name-calling, hatred,
divisiveness, and lack of respect for the Constitution."

For more information, please contact:
Ron Barrier, Spokesperson               (718)967-6453
Ellen Johnson, President                (973)334-5110

American Atheists, Inc.  P.O. Box 5733  Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel: (908)259-0700  Fax: (908)259-0743