...and nonbelievers

Another notable line in Barack Obama's inauguration speech was this:

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.
We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth."

I was stunned to hear the words above in bold, and Obama said practically the same thing during his interview with Al-Arabiya. For the nonbelieving me, it's an amazing but also quite welcome inclusiveness. I've never heard any American politician respectfully acknowledge nonbelievers, atheists if you like. These days it seems taboo to say such a thing. I am liking this guy. If she were a believer and looking down or up from wherever, Madelyn Murray O'Hair would definitely be cheering. I know, a contradiction.

I just wonder if Obama will keep up with such a line. Perhaps not because officially as President in his inaugural speech he has somewhat already introduced his governing philosophy to America and now to a Middle Eastern audience. But if he's going to be consistent it's got to crop up again, and you know the media and religious circles will be picking up on it. Unfortunately, too many people will have a cow (if they haven't already). However, it's a good sign that Obama welcomes nonbelievers in the political discourse.