american culture

He said it out loud this week:  "I am a Unitarian who does not believe in a supreme being." His name is U.S. Rep Pete Stark (D.Calif).  He has been in Congress since 1973. He is perhaps the highest ranking public official to say --- out loud ---- that he does not believe in God. 

I think we should salute him for his honesty. Obviously, there are other non-believers in elected office, but only Stark has chosen to speak his mind. The fact is, he "represents" millions of Americans who make up a significant minority of our citizens. A University of Minnesota study estimated atheists at 3% of the U.S population; a Pew survey found 11% declaring "no religion", or agnostic; and a Harris Interactive poll put nonbelievers at 9% with an additional 12% expressing uncertainty (L.A. Times Editorial 3-15-07). So Pete Stark has lots of company.