...but I have to say it.
Keith Ellison, a Democrat Representative-elect from Minnesota, has said he wants to be sworn in using the Koran instead of the Bible. This has conservatives and Republicans up in arms, and understandibly so. Americans have made quite a few concessions to Muslims over the years without much of a return from those who have been the recipients of our concessions.
Even so, I feel Ellison has earned the ability to be sworn in using the Koran by winning the election. Although it's customary to be sworn in using a Bible, I don't think it's a requirement, nor should it be. As a country founded in part on religious freedom, it would be highly hypocritical of us to restrict one man's religious freedom because we don't approve of it. Leave that to the faux left.
Also, I really can't see into the man's soul to tell if he's doing to show respect for his faith or if he's doing it to stick it to Christians. I would hope it's the former, but until I see evidence that he's doing it to disrespect the religious history of America, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Ah, but therein lies the caveat. Using such a platform to rub it in America's face that he won would not sit well with Americans, including the ones who voted for him. It would be political suicide to do it simply as the political equivalent of a touchdown dance in the end zone. Then again, Democrats aren't above doing that if they think they can get away with it.
I wish Ellison the best of luck and support his decision, mainly because it's not mine to make, so I really don't have the final word. He does.
And to my conservative brethren and sisthren, don't take this as me going all liberal or being sucked into the Muslim lines. I'm merely showing my support for the religious freedom that makes this country great. Trust me, if a Christian were to be elected in a country where radical Muslims ruled, that person wouldn't be given a chance to be sworn in on a Bible; he or she would be dead. The very fact Ellison won't be killed for being sworn in using a Koran in a Judeo-Christian nation speaks volumes to our love of and commitment to freedom of all stripes. That's something to be proud of in my book.
Okay, I have on my blindfold and my cigarette is lit. Let the emails fly!
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4 comments:
As a Pagan, I agree with you 100% that religious freedom is one of the cornerstones of this country's greatness. While I don't have much use for Islam or its followers, if a Pagan were elected to public office and wanted to be sworn in using their own Book of Shadows, I would heartily approve. Vee shall see.....
When 95% of a town is Christian and wants a nativity in the town square and it is allowed, then I will agree with you. Until then there is no freedom of religion.
Hello Janesville Iowa -- I'm sitting in Florida with my 93 year old father -- and his memories are going back to Janesville, Iowa -- his mother was born there and, possibly, buried there. As a former resident of Janesville, would you have any ideas about how I could search for information about past residents .. .
My grandmother was born there in 1891 and died in 1919 -- Dad believes that her father, a Minister in Janesville, had her buried there ... her name was Sarah Jane Wood (Auten) ... and her father was I think ... Frank? Ellison Wood.
Really would be wonderful to find a bit of data -- even find someone to put flowers on her grave.
Sounds crazy -- yes, but then, memories are the best things we have when we're 93 ... even though a bit confused ...
Iowa is the best state -- we're from Newton!
Thanks if you have any quick info ... Melinda
Melinda,
I know the town put out a new edition of The Janesvillian not too long ago. It gives a history of the people who live in Janesville and it might have people from that far back.
Hope this helps!
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