I don't want to "be on a mission", but...

An office-mate of mine came up to another peer and said, "Hey, guess what Dave? The Atheists are having a convention this weekend in San Francisco!" To which Dave replied, 'Great! Now all of the idiots can gather in one place!" Both laughed arrogantly.
I stood there amazed. Here I was, in my work place, making a living, and now I am being ridiculed for my religious (non) beliefs! THIS is exactly why I do not "preach" Atheism to anyone. I believe that all people should be able to think for themselves, make their own choices and follow their own conscience, all the while staying away from trying to convert people into their way of thinking. Funny thing about this instance, I couldn't speak up for myself...
In this town, being an outright Atheist can place you into the wrong crowd. I would be lumped into "one of those hippy, new age druggy freaks that are going to hell". My future within the city and possible city government would be hindered greatly. Why? Because I choose to believe in myself and take responsibility for my actions. I do not ask of anyone to save me from anything, I do not ask to be protected, I do not ask for money, I do not ask to be given anything out of life without me actually working for it. I'm a good person. I used to be a youth counselor for the County and have helped 100's of children. I have relocated one child that was being abused at home, I became a good role model for another who was sent to a boys ranch, and became an advocate for a boy being raised within a gang and had numerous run-ins with local authorities.
I have two children
I own my home
I volunteer at my daughter's school
I exercise regularly
I eat right
I don't smoke
I don't bug people
I keep mostly to myself, but am very friendly and have a good time in crowds
I respect others' opinions
I have morals, values, and try to do right whenever there is a chance...
Am I going to hell? Am I a heathen? Am I someone who would not fit into my social circle anymore if they knew I was Atheist? In their view, quite possibly so.

I know this country was founded upon religious freedom and freedom from religious persecution, but we are a long ways from there during these days. Under God, Atheists in foxholes, creationistic science, evolution being banned from schools, prayer being put back into schools, religion in many aspects of government, ... it's like we hardly have a chance!

What doesn't help are these other Atheist groups who have very "unique" representation, take Dave Kong (http://www.atheists.org/ca/images/k1.jpg) I know he has done a lot for Atheists in California, but why the funky haircut? I admit I'm not totally clean cut, my hair is somewhat "spiky", but very "normal" as far as society is concerned. What I am not totally happy with is the pictures of the leaders of the Atheist movement seem to be those people I tend to steer clear of. They just don't "fit in" to normal society. I know there are several Atheists out there who are leading members of society, contribute daily to Federal, State and Local governments, but are not activists in the fight for Atheism. This is where I am stuck. Should I now become an activist hidden behind the keyboard? Or just keep my views to myself and let the others fight it out for me? Should I "come out" myself? (Too mush to lose for my family) From what I know and from past experience, I believe I should begin by (gasp) starting a web site. Heheh. Just like everyone else in the world with a voice that wants to be heard. But I do have a unique skill, I used to work in internet web development and marketing, so hopefully this will be of benefit. We'll see and I'll keep this blog updated.