Action item: Call and support free speech

Seems that Washington DC Metro is copping some heat over the atheist bus ads.

More than 200 people have complained to Metro about an ad campaign that questions believing in God. One person praised the campaign.

That should be a little higher, don’t you think?

The ads by the American Humanist Association first appeared on buses two weeks ago and inside buses Monday. They say, “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness’ sake.”

Metro spokeswoman Candace Smith said the ads have sparked more complaints than usual.

“As a public agency, Metro must observe the First Amendment with respect to the acceptance of commercial advertising,” Smith said. “Although we understand that feelings and perceptions will vary among individuals within the community, we cannot reject advertising because an individual, or group, finds it inappropriate or offensive.”

So even though their policy requires them to accept ads, I think Metro deserves some props for their commitment to the 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech.

Here’s your assignment. Call the DC Metro on (202) 637 1328 during business hours (9am – 5pm EST), and commend them for running the ‘Why Believe in a God’ ads on buses. Or, if you don’t want to phone, you can leave a customer comment on their website, found here. Now get busy.

UPDATE: While you’re at it, would you mind calling the office of Washington Governor Christine Gregoire? The number is 360-902-4111.

She’s been getting some flack about an atheist message in the capitol building. It says:

At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

Opposition has been trumped up by Fox TV’s Bill O’Reilly, who has encouraged viewers to call and complain.

Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly had an eight-minute segment on his show Tuesday night decrying the inclusion of the atheistic billboard along with a holiday tree and a Christian nativity scene.

Conservative TV personality O’Reilly called the display “political correctness gone mad” and urged viewers to call Gov. Christine Gregoire’s office to complain.

Gregoire spokesman Pearse Edwards says the office has been getting about 200 calls an hour, as well as e-mails.

I’m actually glad that O’Reilly’s come out against the sign. First, it means that the oogedy-boogedy religious wing of the GOP is not lying down and dying. They’ll be alienating voters and causing a headache for the Republican Party for years to come. Second, O’Reilly and his ilk are showing what they stand for. They’re not for freedom of speech. They’re for one view only — theirs. But if you allow one point of view in a public place, it’s only fair to include them all. Or none.

Hey, that’s a solution. Take everything down. The Christmas tree, the atheist sign, the menorah, all of it. Now that’s a war on Christmas! Why do you suppose Bill hates Christmas so much?