Atheist public policy group blasts Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed

14.07.09, LOS ANGELES CHRONICLE (US). An Atheist public policy group today blasted Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed over claims that his latest political venture -- the "Faith and Freedom Coalition" -- does not share the tactics and objectives of its predecessor. Reed told reporters that the new group "younger, hipper, less strident and more inclusive" than previous attempts to elect dogmatic Christians to public office, and diminish the separation of church and state. Reed is once again in the limelight after being linked to political scandals. One involved disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and a plot to defraud Native American Indian tribes in a dispute over gambling rights. "Despite his questionable record on being forthright and a squeaky-clean crusader, Reed is a savvy political hit man with big ambitions," said Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists. "This new organization seems to be just the latest effort in promoting religious-right candidates, and demolishing the 'wall of separation' between church and state in America."