Even Texas Has Atheists

This is the new billboard put up on Interstate 35 in Austin by the Austin Coalition of Reason. Don Rhoades, a coordinator for the organization said, "We also want everyone to know that those who don't believe in a god are your neighbors. People like us can be found everywhere: among family members, friends and co-workers. One of us might even be in the pew next to you in church! So, in the same way that other people are open about their views, we think we should be free to express ours."

He's right. But this is Texas, solidly in the fundamentalist Bible Belt. It cost $7,344.00 to put up the sign, but I'll bet it doesn't last more than a couple of days before some "christian" defaces it with a two dollar can of spray paint (and he/she will think they're doing god's work).

I would like to be more positive and think the sign will be left alone in the belief that this is a free country and everyone has the right to free speech. But I have lived in Texas far too long to believe that. Texas fundies only believe in free speech for themselves -- everyone else must be forced to agree with those beliefs.

The sign will be defaced. It's only a question of how quickly.