I also see absolutely no difference — from an atheist perspective — between the existence of Israel and the existence of any other nation.  Almost all national boundaries exist for one or more of a few reasons, but one of those very common reasons is cultural.  To an atheist, religion seems like it should simply a part of the culture.  I see no difference.

But you do treat religion differently from other cultural phenomena, and I do not understand that all.  You seem to imply it should not be treated differently by saying it should be taxed normally, but then you treat it very differently (saying it should be “quiet” in public).  Hell no: I’ll be as loud as I want to in public, just like the Tea Party and Occupy protestors, or Lady Gaga, or PETA, or anyone else.

And yes, I will tolerate you indoctrinating your children as you tolerate me indoctrinating mine.  Every parent indoctrinates their children, even if they try not to.

For your readership? Unlikely.

This is not the first time (that was 1991), and will not be the last time, I cite a GURPS book as an authoritative reference, by the way.

I dislike the GURPS system, but I own several of the sourcebooks, because they’re so well written.

Also: Neeeeeerrrrrrrddddddsssss!

I thought “Gondor” was too obscure.  The intention wasn’t to say that Israel is inherently evil (I’d have to believe in evil for that), just that creating a Biblically-named modern state is not relevantly different from creating a Tolkien-named modern state.

Archaeologists working at the site of Jericho discovered that its oldest relics date to 7000 B.C., long before any other cities were built.  The original city had massive walls 23′ high, enclosing 10 acres.  A ditch 10′ deep surrounded the walls, and a round tower 33′ high and 43′ in diameter looked out over them.  The 2,400 inhabitants supported themselves by wheat farming and hunting gazelles with bows and arrows.

Neato, huh?  This is not the first time (that was 1991), and will not be the last time, I cite a GURPS book as an authoritative reference, by the way.

I thought that we were already living in Mordor.

My favorite, favorite, favorite Bible story is the story of Jericho, because it mirrors so perfectly the current situation in the region.

Children of Israel: Wow, that was some rough trade we just survived. Fortunately, here we are in our promised land!

Jericho: Uhhh… Hey, we’re living here.

Children of Israel: Maybe you didn’t hear us. This is our promised land. It’s our birthright.

Jericho: We heard you just fine, but we’re living here. We’ve been living here for a while. These big-ass walls didn’t just spring up overnight.

Children of Israel: Interesting. Say, have you heard anything about our omnipotent ally? It works a little something like this…

[Jericho is wiped off the map.]