Barney Frank Advises Politicians to Stay in the 'Atheism Closet': VIDEO

[rug]

04/07/2015
By Jake Folsom

In a new video for Big Think, former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank offers some subtle advise for atheists with political ambitions: be careful referring to yourself as an atheist, Frank cautions.

Frank acknowledges the importance of stopping oppression of "nonbelievers," and that he himself doesn't have a particularly "theistic approach." But Frank asks political hopefuls: "Why pick a fight that doesn't have to be waged?"

Says the former congressman:

The problem with atheism, politically, starts with the phrase. I've advised people who are themselves nonbelievers not to use the word "atheist." It has a harshness to it. Not necessarily literally, but it comes off as a repudiation of religion. And religion is very important to many people, a source of good feelings for many of them. It is not always, unfortunately a motive for good behavior.

Other topics in the clip include Frank's Judaism and the volatility of religion worldwide.

http://www.towleroad.com/2015/04/barney-frank-advises-politicians-to-stay-in-the-atheism-closet-video.html

Poor advice imo.

[cbayer]

1. Someone here recently suggested that all progressive/liberal politicians should

consider declining to answer questions about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs.

This would show solidarity and be a great boost to those with no religious affiliation.

I don't agree with Barney that the way to address the prejudice against atheism is to stay in the closet.

[rug]

2. That is the best answer because it's irrelevant.

That was also a tactic that eventually sunk HUAC.

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/1966/sep/08/huac/

Still, if asked, a straight answer is better than evasion or pandering. There is nothing about it that should be hidden.

[cbayer]

4. Love that HUAC reference.

There is nothing that should be hidden, but what a strong statement for people from all corners just refusing to discuss it. Not evading or pandering, but just saying "none of your business"

There is nothing that should be hidden, but Barney Frank does see the reality.

[rug]

5. Yeah, Congress is diminished without him.

[F4lconF16]

3. No, and it's very disappointing that he chose to say this.

Would he advise an LGBT person to keep in the closet? No? Then not this, either. We change the way people feel about us by making them realize we are just people, like anyone else.

Godless, baby-eating communist people, but people none-the-less

[struggle4progress]

6. "Why pick a fight that doesn't have to be waged?" seems good advice to me

[Fumesucker]

7. Frank acknowledges the importance of stopping oppression of "gays,"...

and that he himself doesn't have a particularly "hetero approach." But Frank asks political hopefuls: "Why pick a fight that doesn't have to be waged?"