STAR JONES SAYS "NO"
TO AN ATHEIST PRESIDENT
(co-host of ABC's show "The View" and ambassador for Payless Shoe Source, Inc.)

Star Jones is a lawyer and former prosecutor who is currently a co-host of ABC's show "The View".  Her web site is http://www.starjones.com/.  She mocked Atheists who were concerned about her bigoted views. Jones intimated that Atheists are unpatriotic, while falsely claiming that the secular complaint had been in response to patriotic remarks she made on September 12, 2001. On February 13, 2002, Jones said that, in her opinion, Atheists are unqualified to hold the office of President of the United States.

As you will see in the quotes below, Jones feels that a 'responsibility' to a higher power is required to hold this office.  She believes that a 'responsibility' to man is just not enough.  Contrary to Jones, we believe a responsibility to man is precisely what is required to hold this office.  See states that has their 'finger on the button' should feel like there are long term, everlasting ramifications'.  Our strong opinion is that we don't want someone with an unstable religious mind having their 'finger on the button'!  Who's to say that one day this person won't 'press the button' to get rid of another society of people that don't believe in their particular version of God??

On Jan 22, 2002 she stated,

"But everyone was mad when I said on the television that I wouldn't vote for an Atheist, but it's interesting that the Oath of office of the President is with 'so help me God.' So who would the Atheists be talking to if they weren't given the Oath? I mean you gotta have someone.  I think it is absolutely important for you to be led by a higher power so you feel as if you have some responsibility -- not just to man. I would never even consider it. Anybody got a problem with it, is your problem. I didn't say you [an atheist] weren't a good person, just you wouldn't get my vote. I mean you could be a nice person -- you could baby-sit my kids -- possibly -- but that doesn't mean you would get my vote because you got your finger on the button. I want you to feel like there are long term, everlasting ramifications. " (Star Jones, Transcript from The View, Jan 22, 2001)
On Feb 13, 2002, she stated,
"And I said that I would never be comfortable voting... for an Atheist for President." (Star Jones, Transcript from The View, Feb 13, 2002).  She continues, "Well, they [atheists] were very up in arms and, as I explained to them; I respect your opinion, I respect what your position is, but God died for me and I’m standing for him and you’ve got a problem, it’s your problem.".
"Had Jones made the same remarks about the Jewish community, the Anti-Defamation League would have demanded and received a public apology. Atheists must demand and receive the same type of respect."  - GodlessGeeks.com.   Please take a minute to let her know what you think about her attacking atheists!
STAR JONES RESPONDS TO THE ETHICAL ATHEIST

We at the Ethical Atheist let Star Jones know how we felt about her anti-atheist remarks.  The following is her response:
 

From: Star Jones (star@starjones.com)
To: Ethical Atheist
Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 11:14 AM
Subject: Regarding Religion

Dear Ethical,

Thank you so much for writing.  I welcome the opportunity to share my personal testimony with you.

I can honestly say that my relationship with God is the most important relationship in my life.  I believe that Christ is the Son of God and is the risen savior.  I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, which for me is a powerful force that guides my every thought and deed.  I believe that with faith in God, all things are possible.  The book of Hebrews (Chapter 11, verse 1) says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".  My life is a living testimony to that verse.

When I was 20 years old my life changed.  Doctors told me that I had less than a year to live because of an inoperable tumor... they didn't check with God, because evidently, he had other plans.

God's strength made me go back to school in Washington, DC, made me defy my parents and refuse the radiation treatments which eventually led me to a surgeon who not only removed the tumor, but I was back at school within a week... ready to begin my Senior year of college.  Thank you Father.

Everything that I have ever accomplished has been with God's help.

I often didn't know where to go, how I would get there and what I would do once at the place I desired... but at every turn there was an answer.  There was a sign.  There was direction.  In other words... there was God.  There is no decision that I make, or have made in my life that does not include a talk with God during a time of prayer.  I wake in the morning and I talk to God.  I ask for direction.  I ask for strength.  I ask for patience.  I ask for courage.  And I ask for steadfastness in my faith... even in the time of trouble.

I also talk to God, not just when I want or need something... but also when I want to say thank you for what He has already done in my life. The blessings that I have received and continue to receive sometimes make me fall to my knees in thanksgiving because in my mind, I don't deserve the gifts... but I know that I'm given them because Christ promised me everything my mind could imagine if I would just follow him.  He has been true to his word.

The tragedy of the past week is one of those times that make people doubt God's existence.   Not me... it makes me sure of it.  These terrorists were the personification of evil and just as God has given us free will to do good works, he has also given us free will to choose evil. Don't get it twisted... regardless of what they say and who they bow down to... these people were not of God.  Whenever you hear people invoking God's name in order to justify their actions, ask yourself: Do those actions affirm life?  Do they promote love?  Do they encourage peace?  If they don't, then they are not of God.

I have never been so peaceful in a turbulent time because of my personal relationship with God. With so many people looking for answers where there aren't many, I can sincerely say that the peace I feel comes from knowledge that there is a force bigger than me... and that gives me strength. If I believed that I was the smartest, the bravest the most competent to handle this situation, I would be lost.  I would be panic stricken... because I know that I'm not equipped to handle something like this tragedy.  I know that alone, I would falter.  I would become weak.  I would allow my emotions to overtake my logic... because I am human.  But with God's help, I am made stronger.  I am resolved that this is not what he wants for his people and I am sure that we as a country will become stronger through this.

You see, God knows exactly when we need him to take over.  For me, it's like an eagle and its babies.  God has given me the skill to fly, but he carries me when my own wings can no longer do the job.  This week, a lot of people have needed "carrying" and I believe that unity we have seen is a direct result of his power to unite in a time of trouble.  The Bible says "all things work together for good for those that are called according to His purpose". With God's help, maybe now we will exercise that free will for good.

I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I do know that it is with faith that we will come through this tragedy, and it is only with the Holy Spirit that we will be renewed. God is real in my life and the fact that I live life to the fullest is the greatest example I can be.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Star Jones

"?"

WHILE WE ASKED FOR A PUBLIC APOLOGY FOR ATTACKS AGAINST ATHEISTS,
ALL SHE ADDRESSED WAS HER BELIEF IN GOD.

SHE COMPLETELY DUCKED THE QUESTION BY NOT EVEN
MENTIONING THE TOPIC OF OUR LETTER TO HER.

(Note: We refer to this type of response as "Stock Christian Answer #4".)


OUR REPLY
 
To: Star Jones (star@starjones.com)
From: Ethical Atheist
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 12:07 PM
Subject: Re: Regarding Religion

Dear Star Jones,

While this story of your Christian beliefs may be entertaining to some, you completely ducked the topic of our letter which was a request for a PUBLIC APOLOGY FOR YOUR ATTACKS AGAINST ATHEISTS.

Sincerely,
The Ethical Atheist


AN UPDATE FROM GODLESSGEEKS.COM

April 24th, 2002  -  Atheists of Silicon Valley, East Bay Atheists & San Francisco Atheists held simultaneous pickets outside of bay area Payless ShoeSource stores to protest the appointment of Star Jones as their customer ambassador.

WE SAY "THANK YOU" TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR EFFORTS!

- Ethical Atheist
[Created: 05/01/2002]
[Last Update: 05/09/2002]