Dueling Days Of Reason And Prayer

Today is the National Day Of Prayer and the National Day Of Reason. Rep. Pete Stark, the only openly atheist member of Congress, issued a proclamation on the House floor in recognition of the latter.

The National Day of Reason celebrates the application of reason and the positive impact it has had on humanity. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm the Constitutional separation of religion and government. Our nation faces many problems—bringing our troops home from Afghanistan, creating jobs, educating our children, and protecting our safety net from irresponsible cuts. We will solve these issues through the application of reason. We must also protect women’s reproductive choices, the integrity of scientific research, and our public education system from those who would hide behind religious dogma to undermine them.