Do atheists in this country do nothing but sit around all day figuring out ways to be bigger jerks?

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

An atheist group has unveiled an anti-religion placard in the state Capitol, joining a Christian Nativity scene and “holiday tree” on display during December.

The atheists’ sign was installed Monday by Washington members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national group based in Madison, Wis.

With a nod to the winter solstice - the year’s shortest day, occurring in late December - the placard reads, in part, “There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a sign calling you a benighted, hard-hearted slave.

I know, I know. These atheists are just a vocal minority who don’t represent all the other honorable, hard-working, civic-minded atheists who are just trying to live…blah, blah, blah.

Skip it. I can’t think of a single atheist organization that’s involved in any meaningful way with charity or any other community-building effort. Nearly everywhere you look this holiday season, you’re going to see charities that have significant religious components collecting money, food, and toys to give to complete strangers who otherwise would go without this year. Atheists, on the other hand, sit on the sidelines and snark at the rubes and their imaginary Sky God. You tell me where all the civic-minded atheists are when it comes time to throw in and help our neighbors in need?

Collecting money to tell you what a moron you are for whatever religious beliefs you have, that’s where.

I think I would fall over in a dead feint if I ever heard a notable atheist say that even though they don’t share religious values of any kind, they’re thankful that our Founding Fathers did because their religious beliefs helped inform the basic principle of individual, natural rights that allows atheists to not worship openly, without fear of arrest or death. Ingratitude is incredibly unattractive.

(via brooksbayne on Twitter)