Among the Nonbelievers.

Chris Lehmann's review of Sam Harris' The End of Faith ("Among the Nonbelievers," January) made me chuckle in disbelief. If Harris can be accused of flying off the handle in places in his book (and yes, I have read it), Lehmann's review was one full flight from the handle.

Lehmann contends that "village atheists" (his second of at least four uses of the term) "are as numerous, and as shrill, as they've ever been." What planet does Lehmann live on? Here in Florida we've got Christians on television and radio and in newspapers denouncing the decline of moral values: Abortion is murder; gays are abominations in the eyes of their god; schools are corrupting children by teaching evolution. Vocal believers vastly outnumber vocal nonbelievers.

In the spring of' 04 an atheist was prevented from giving the opening convocation to the City Council of Tampa Bay by a protest walk-out of council members. Two council members publicly stated that they believed any person who does not believe in "a supreme being" is unfit to participate in American governmental affairs.

If anything, this country needs more outspoken atheists, shrill or not. It seems Lehmann would prefer that we sit down and shut up. Lehmann certainly makes some valid points, but a fair review would have acknowledged that, at the least, Harris has raised a very important, timely issue.

Andrew Bernardin

Orange City, FL