AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

June 26, 2002

LETTERS, FAXES, PHONE CALLS NEEDED TO STOP "RELIGIONIZED" MEMORIAL TO 911 VICTIMS!

Unconstitutional "Miracle Debris Cross" at Ground Zero Would Violate Separation, Insult Atheists Says Johnson!

A government incorporated agency known as the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Company is considering plans for a permanent memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Religious groups are demanding that this memorial include religious symbols, especially the so-called "miracle debris" cross found in the wreckage.

In a letter to LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead, American Atheists President Ellen Johnson noted that over $2 billion in public funds have been appropriated to various agencies, including the Development Corporation, for the reconstruction of Lower Manhattan and the "ground zero" location of the former twin towers.

"The presence of any religious monument, symbols, slogans, quotations, motifs or other characteristics in a memorial pertaining to the events of September 11, 2001 on property controlled by a government agency, using (directly or indirectly) government funds is violative (of the First Amendment) and other legal strictures protecting the separation of church and state..." warned Johnson

Public officials need to hear from you now! Any religious monument not only violates the Constitution, but insults and marginalizes millions of Americans who are Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and others of no religious faith!

We urge you to send letters, faxes and make phone calls to the appropriate officials. They include:

Mr. John C. Whitehead, Chairman
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
One Liberty Plaza, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10006

Phone: 212-962-2300
Fax: 212-962-2431/33

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor, City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Phone: 212-788-2460
Fax: 212-788-2460

SUGGESTIONS FOR WRITING...

A "snail mail" letter has the most impact with public officials.

Keep your remarks concise, to-the-point. Be polite. Your letter should not exceed one, maybe two pages, in length.

Ask the recipient to reply.

Share your letters and responses with us!

Be sure to include your full name, mailing address and telephone number. Sign your letter of concern.

"TALKING POINTS"

* Billions of dollars in public tax money are being used to redevelop the former WTC site. In addition, the site is "controlled" by a public agency, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Public money and resources may not be used in projects which violate constitutional requirements for the separation of church and state.

* Using public money on any kind of sectarian monument or memorial, including the "miracle debris cross" is unconstitutional and invites legal challenge.

* A memorial which includes ALL Americans, not just those of the Christian faith or those who happen to believe in religion, is more fitting than a divisive, sectarian monument. Nearly 14% profess "no religion" -- a total of over 30 million Americans! A secular memorial is appropriate, inclusive and represents ALL Americans!

Spread the word! Circulate copies of this Action Alert!