You mean growing up in an atmosphere where the nonreligious are not considered aberrations (or as George Bush Sr. described us, "neither citizens nor patriots")?
Are you sure he was talking about "you" (plural)?
How do you know he was talking about atheists, as in people who lack a belief in gods, rather than Atheists, as in people who hold a positive belief that god doesn't exist?
You know, the definition of atheists is a little different these days.
I'd say that Strong Atheists are fairly retarded, not that I know any personally. But its an illogical position. WHat that has to do with being a citizen or patriot, I don't know, but I don't think your correct on who GB Sr. was talking about.