Intellectual Baknruptcy in Oklahoma

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OKLAHOMA GOP RESOLUTION BLAMES RECESSION ON GAYS, SECULARISM, "DEBAUCHERY"
Atheists: "Intellectual Bankruptcy Stalks the Oklahoma GOP"

A resolution introduced in the Oklahoma legislature by GOP State Rep.
Sally Kern blames the nation's economic woes on gay pride celebrations,
lack of public prayer, abortion and "debauchery."

Dr. Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists, said that the bizarre
claim "betrays not only intellectual bankruptcy, but insults the
intelligence of voters in Oklahoma and the rest of the country who want
real solutions to the serious economic difficulties that face our
nation. The resolution offered is not only counter-productive, it
severely misquotes key founding fathers. Jefferson, Franklin, Madison,
and probably Washington as well would be appalled at being falsely
claimed by these anti-American yahoos."

The "Oklahoma Citizen's Proclamation for Morality" singles out President
Obama for recognizing June as  LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and
Transgendered) Pride Month, and charges that America is economic peril
because of "abortion, pornography, same-sex marriage, sex trafficking,
divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and many other forms of
debauchery."

"With all of the recent scandals involving self-righteous politicians, I
first thought this Resolution was talking about religious Republicans,"
quipped Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists.
"Political leaders, especially those wrapping themselves in the rhetoric
of the religious right, are the last people who should be trying to
dictate how Americans should live their lives."

Mr. Silverman expressed skepticism that the measure would be approved,
though. The Religious Right is in their last throes of life, and this is
just their latest attempt to make news and get attention. This is
unimportant, not only because it means nothing, nor because it will do
nothing, nor because it will promote yesterday's bigotry, but rather
because it is just plain ridiculous.  This is not an issue to fight, but
rather one to watch with amusement, and to remind us of how far we as a
country have evolved.

The Resolution ends with a call for God to "have mercy on this nation,
to stay His hand  of judgment and grant a national awakening of
righteousness and Christian renewal as we repent of our great sin."

Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists, said that
Rep. Kern's Resolution "is all about Demagoguery, not debauchery."

"Once again, we're blaming complex social problems on the religious
right's idea of sinful behavior," said Kagin.  "It appears that Rep.
Kern and her supporters know less about economics than they do using
religion to promote a theocratic social agenda."

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and
addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

American Atheists, Inc.
PO BOX 158
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel.: (908) 276-7300