AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
PRESS RELEASE
Oct. 2, 1999

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


                   AMERICAN ATHEISTS - LET VENTURA SPEAK!
     ". . .religion desires pious hypocrites over honest human beings."

    Is America big enough to hear all sides on issues such as the role of
organized religion in our society?

    American Atheists today called upon citizens to defend the right of Gov.
Jesse Ventura to air his views, as he did in a controversial interview for
Playboy Magazine.  Ventura expressed a number of opinions on a wide range of
subjects, including his claim that "organized religion is a sham and a
crutch for weak-minded people."

    "Every day, political leaders are demanding that Americans pray, or read
a bible," said Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists.  "Religious
leaders regularly demonize  gays, women seeking abortion, single mothers,
artists -- anyone who chooses not to endorse their dogma or lifestyle. Now,
someone happens to express a contrary opinion on the role of organized
religion in human affairs, and that person is suddenly and unfairly branded
as a 'bigot.'"

    "It's the pot calling the kettle black," insisted Ron Barrier, National
Spokesperson for American Atheists.  "In just a few weeks, evangelical groups
will be sponsoring bogus 'hell-houses' for Halloween where they depict the
alleged terrifying consequences of homosexuality, premarital sex, defiance of
authority and other religious taboos.  This is real bigotry, but few
religious or political leaders seem to be condemning this."

    "Somehow," Mr. Barrier noted, "it's almost poetic how a man is being
chastised by the faith industry for being honest.  It appears that religion
desires pious hypocrites over honest human beings."

    Ms. Johnson praised Ventura for speaking his mind.  "If religious groups
feel that Gov. Ventura has inaccurately characterized the role of religion in
human history, by all means let them muster their evidence and join in the
debate.  The American people have a right to hear such an exchange of views,
even if it disturbs certain political or religious elites."

    Ms. Johnson added that while she might not agree with everything Ventura
said in his Playboy interview, "it is still refreshing to see a politician
who speaks his mind, and does not have his brain in constant 'spin-control'
mode, and his tongue spewing forth clichés and sound bytes for the evening
news."

    "An elected official who doesn't turn to jelly every time the 'faith'
word is mentioned is a rare jewel indeed," added Mr. Barrier.


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

American Atheists, Inc.
P.O. Box 5733
Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel: (908)276-7300
Fax: (908)276-7402