Source: Yahoo! News / Los Angeles Times
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/latimests/atimeofdoubtforatheists
On July 18, 2005 the Los Angeles Times reported, "Although the percentage of Americans who claim no religion is about 14%, less than a quarter of them identify themselves as atheists, according to recent polls... Atheist activists believe the climate to be so perilous that they're considering something drastic: unity. Atheists aren't by nature of one mind. There's a godless organization for every wrinkle of nonbelief... Fear, however, is a great motivator, and politically active atheists know that they need an advocate in government to be heard. Unfortunately, as one activist noted, most politicians are as eager to align with the godless ranks as they are to lobby for pedophiles. Hence the need for an image makeover. Keen to cast off stereotypes of immorality, atheists are stressing their integrity, patriotism and respect for the faithful while staying true to their age-old commitment to the separation of church and state. Some even bristle at the terms 'atheist' or 'nonbeliever.' Others have begun raising funds, lobbying politicians and building online communities."