Open Letter

October 10, 2001

Mr. Tom Brokaw
NBC Nightly News
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10112

Dear Mr. Brokaw:

It was disheartening to hear you perpetuate the old canard, "There are no atheists in foxholes," as you did on your evening newscast Monday, October 8, 2001. Not only is it patently untrue, but it also divisively implies one cannot be patriotic without god.

Of course, many who find their morals and patriotism in natural values based in human experience have willingly fought and died in defense of democracy, human rights, and basic freedoms. People have also fought sophisticated, tactical battles and wars since well before the dawning of the monotheism our culture knows today making the statement an utter impossibility.

You step onto a slippery slope in using such a misunderstood and undefined word as atheist to characterize and exclude honorable women and men, many of whom were part of "the greatest generation." In addition to maligning atheists, depending on your definition of theism (mono-, poly-, pan-) and its object god(s), billions of Buddhists, Hindus, Shintos and others who do not embrace the dominant theology of the West might also feel excluded.

I am sure you meant no disrespect toward the more than thirty-million Americans of the community of reason but, in this time of coming together for our nation, please be more careful of your characterization of our values, patriotism and willingness to stand for what we believe.

Sincerely,