Honorable David Price U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Wayne Aiken PO B

Honorable David Price
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC  20515

Wayne Aiken
PO Box 30904
Raleigh, NC 27622


Dear Representative:

     I am aware that many right-wing religious groups, such as Dr. D.
James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries, are currently canvassing all
U.S. Senators and Representatives in an attempt to influence your
position relative to "issues important to Christians."  As a
non-Christian, it concerns me greatly that these groups ask you to
"vote to support the religious values and freedoms our Founding Fathers
intended us to have", when in fact the only values which these groups
espouse are their own narrow sectarian ideas.  Issues such as the Supreme
Court's flag burning decision, AIDS, abortion, equal rights for gays, and
school prayer are issues which these groups approach and seek to influence
based solely upon their particular religious beliefs, instead of a fair
and objective analysis of the facts, with deference to equal rights and
benefits to all under the law.

It also concerns me greatly that many irrational and false charges made by
these groups against non-believers are also echoed by those in the highest
levels of governments.  During his 1988 campaign, George Bush made the
statement that "atheists cannot be considered as patriots, nor can they be
citizens.  This is one nation under God."  This idea flies completely in the
face of the notion that one's patriotism and protection under the Constituion
is completely independent of one's religious beliefs, as outlined in the
First Amendment.  It is also contradictory to the pledge he made in accepting
the office of the President to uphold the Constitution.  To this day, Pres.
Bush refuses to apologize or retract this statement which disenfranchises at
least 10% of the population.  As a Congressman, I urge you to investigate
and clarify this situation.  To use the position of the Presidency of the US
to advocate particular positions with regard to religion denigrates not only
the freedoms of those who do not believe, but also of those who do worship
as they freely choose.

Regardless of your own personal beliefs, I urge you to use your position
of responsiblity in a fair, honest, and rational manner.  Many groups are
attempting to use their "freedom of religion" at the expense of the rights
and freedoms of others.  As an atheist, I support freedom of the mind above
all else, and that includes granting freedom to all to adhere to any belief
or non-belief they choose.  Many religious organizations cry that they are
being suppressed, when all that is truly being suppressed is their desire
to control the lives and minds of others.  These same organizations are
quick to flood the offices of government with pre-printed letters in an
attempt to appear that they represent the majority opinion, when in fact
they do not.  I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

                                 Wayne Aiken