As Georgia descends deeper into drought, Gov. Sonny Perdue has ordered water restrictions, launched a legal battle and asked President Bush for help. On Tuesday, the governor called on a higher power as he joined lawmakers and ministers on the steps of the state Capitol to pray for rain — yes, pray for rain. In today’s society, one can do something as little as make reference to God and left-wing groups will be protesting. Of course, this instance was no exception.
Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, made a statement responding to the governor and the thousands of Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus who were all invited to the Capitol steps. “I am so sick of these wacky politicians trying to conjure up spirits … we don’t live in the Bronze Age anymore.” Johnson also appeared on CNN’s “The Glenn Beck Show” late Tuesday night trying to represent the atheist point of view. However, instead of trying to present some sort of legal argument — separation of church and state — she spoke with the words of an angry child who just got her feelings hurt.
As a country that was founded on the cornerstone of those seeking religious freedom and refuge, I ask this question on the basis of all that is right, just and good in this world: What makes these groups so uneasy, negative and critical toward those who believe in something greater than themselves?
Johnson did not single out any one religion, creed or faith, rather all those who believe in God. In no way can I speak for a woman I have never met, but I question the validity of her argument and her hate for the masses she spoke against. I was raised Catholic and applaud the efforts made by Perdue. He did more than just pray for rain. He brought together a state in the hopes of a common good. It was not a single creed or religion being called — it was all those who believe in God. Thousands of Georgian’s filled the area, drawn together by something greater than you and me, something greater than themselves. Whether that something was God, politics or the Easter Bunny, they gathered in support of something that is affecting atheists and Christians alike — drought.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I don’t think that would do it justice. We’ve seen 80,000 Christians, Jews, Muslims and atheists support our Spartans, but when was the last time you can recall these different creeds together praying to God? With every action comes a reaction, so I leave the atheists of America and Johnson with this: Thousands of Americans came together in support of something greater than themselves. I’m not sure what the definition of an American is, but that sounds pretty good to me.
Kevin Hall
finance senior
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