Mr. Norris,

I’ve been a martial artist for more than twenty years and I own a martial arts school. I also happen to be an atheist. Your remark that you would like to “Tattoo an American Flag with the words, “In God we trust,” on the forehead of every atheist,” is ignorant and repugnant.

I’ve seen many “Chuck Norris” jokes floating around the internet and so maybe you didn’t write this purported article in the “World Net Daily.” Maybe this is another joke at your expense. If that’s the case, I apologize for accusing you.

If you did write the article, I would like you to understand why millions of Americans are atheists. We have no belief in gods such as Allah, Thor, Zeus, Apollo, Yahweh, the Goat God, the Cookie Monster or the Orbiting Teapot, to name only a few. Atheists have no belief in gods because there is no evidence for their existence.

Is this an unreasonable position? Is it unreasonable to be an atheist in an age when religious extremists are blowing themselves and others to pieces and flying jets into buildings?

I should also point out that the original motto of the United States was “E Pluribus Unum,” Latin for “out of many, one.” It was adopted by Congress in 1782. Congress later replaced the original motto with “In God We Trust” in 1956. The current motto is unconstitutional, Mr. Norris, because the First Amendment forbids the government from “respecting any establishment of religion.”

It’s disturbing that people will tip-toe on rice paper while questioning even the most radical religions, for fear of insulting them, but they’ll trample an intelligent, peaceful atheist (or in this case, tattoo them) without a second thought. Chuck, please don’t join their ignorant ranks.

I’ve always respected you, so when I heard about your comment, it shocked me. I hope that you’ll reconsider such statements in the future.