So I'm following links this morning and I end up at the tail end of a debate between Sam Harris, the prominent atheist, and some theist. The debate is in the form of letters between them, hosted on a theism website called Beliefnet, Inspiration, Spirituality, Faith. What I found interesting was not the 'debate' (which I haven't read, and probably won't get around to) but a poll off to the side of the main content.

Simple question, do you believe in God?
Yes (first, of course) 27%
No 65%
Not sure 8%
No numbers, but I would like to see them.

65% of the people that visited this site voted no. I am hoping this is a reflection of the general population, but more than likely the results the people that actually visited this particular part of the website. Only atheists want to hear what Sam Harris has to say, even if he is talking to a theist.

On another note, the other day at the meeting with like minded freethinkers, they talked about demonstrating with signs in town. Not much of a demonstration, because there is only two of them, but they do it at least once a week. One does it because he has the time. He was disabled with a stroke, and he is pissed off that he spent most of his life as a christian, and he feels it's wasted.

So, I suggested I stand with them. They just pick a street corner in town, usually close to the main campus during rush hour. They even made a sign for me, less antagonistic than theirs, said something about religion and a thinking mind. One of theirs said 'religion is bull'. Anyway, most of the response was positive. There were some fingers of course, and a few made us aware that we were going to hell, but for the most part it was smiles and thumbs up. I mentioned this to one of the other guys, he said it's probably because those that found our presence positive were more enthusiastic about it. That could be, but I believe the stats they give for believers vs nonbelievers are bogus.