Last year, I mentioned the ever-so-brief political career of Danny Ferguson. He was being considered by the Missouri Democratic Party to run for a seat in the state government.
He was taken off their list once they found out he was an atheist (by Danny’s own admission).
Danny hasn’t left politics altogether, though. He now has a seat at the table as a city councilman in Adrian:
The mayor resigned a few months ago and one of the alderman was acting as mayor. The council decided to appoint him as mayor and they needed someone to serve the rest of the alderman’s term (about 14 months). I volunteered and the council appointed me. I went to every council meeting for around a year when I was helping out at the newspaper. I got familiar with the issues they were dealing with and became interested in the process.
Yes, it’s local. No, his appointment won’t directly affect you. Yes, he was appointed and not elected. And no, religion hasn’t been an issue at all so far. But I think this serves as a good model for how to get involved.
Get interested, get to know people in the government, and learn how to get elected.
It’s local, but this is how we must start. We need atheists to win seats in local governments, state governments, even school boards. If we can get more people doing this, it will ideally become easier for more atheists to run for more high profile positions.
Danny has started a group on Atheist Nexus called Atheist Politicians. I’m sure fans are allowed to join 🙂
Anyone else who reads this site involved in politics? What advice would to give to aspiring atheist politicians?
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."