15th Annual Alexander Lincoln "Harvard Humanist of the Year" Lecture feat. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Cal) September 20, 2007

Join us for this historic event, where Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) will give his first-ever public remarks on becoming the first openly Humanist and nontheistic member of US Congress. Stark, a senior member of the influential Ways & Means Committee, and a veteran of the US Air Force, will deliver the 15th annual Alexander Lincoln Memorial 'Harvard Humanist of the Year' lecture, presented by Harvard's Humanist Chaplaincy for atheists, agnostics and the non-religious. The Harvard Secular Society student group is co-sponsor.

Admission is free, but it is highly recommended to arrive early, as space is limited.



Despite the numerous surveys showing atheists to be the group Americans would be least likely to elect to political office, Stark denies that it takes courage to become the first admitted non-theist in the House. "What is courageous," he adds, "is to stand up in Congress and say, 'Let's tax the rich and give money to poor kids."' There are many ways to be a true believer.

Congressman Stark has served in Congress since 1973. A senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he is currently the Chairman of its Health Subcommittee. Stark previously served as the subcommittee's Ranking Minority Member from 1995 to 2006 and as its Chairman from 1985 to 1994. Before being elected to Congress in 1972, Stark was a successful businessman and banker. Stark is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in engineering and the University of California, Berkeley with a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA). Before his business career, he served in the U.S. Air Force.

Stark champions universal health care, and speaks out for peace, freedom of choice, and protecting our environment. He is a tireless advocate for children, families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, as well as the residents of California's 13th Congressional District. Stark has four daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. He is married to Deborah Roderick Stark of San Lorenzo.
Check www.harvardhumanist.org for more details.

Official Website: http://harvardhumanist.org