Support a Brave Atheist

From an email I received from the American Humanist Association:

Dear Friend,

The devastating tornado that tore through Oklahoma earlier this week continues to affect thousands of families whose homes have been destroyed. Often after natural disasters, mentions of prayer, God and religion play a big role in the media---leaving out humanists and atheists who find greater value in taking direct action to support the victims.

You may have heard about the recent CNN live interview after the tornado---Wolf Blitzer spoke to Rebecca Vitsmun after her decision to leave Moore, Okla. at the last-minute to avoid the tornado that ultimately destroyed her own home. Blitzer asked, "You've gotta thank the Lord, right?" Carrying her baby in her arms, Rebecca replied, "I'm actually an atheist."

Rebecca didn't let Wolf Blitzer assume she "thanked the Lord," even though it would have been easier to do, and in so doing showed that you can be good without a god.

The response from our membership to the CNN story was already overwhelming: many American Humanist Association members saw the CNN interview and wanted to support Rebecca directly. I'm writing now, because we made contact with Rebecca, and have a means to give her direct support. We've created a special fund for Rebecca and her family, money that will be used to rebuild her home and support her family during this difficult time.

Rebecca spoke honestly and bravely, and she deserves our community's special support. Please donate to Humanist Charities' Rebecca Vitsmun Fund and see your donations given directly to support a brave atheist whose home was destroyed.

Natural disasters are a product of our environment, not supernatural forces. We, as fellow human beings, have a responsibility to help those in need when we can. And we applaud Rebecca for standing up to religious assumptions. I hope you will donate generously to the Rebecca Vitsmun Fund and see your dollars put to direct use.

Sincerely,

 

Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director