How far do you think it is permissible for the government to accommodate specific religious observances in a liberal state and does that than go for every religious group that will in the future gain power.I would like to use this post to explore the current situation in Congress
regarding the newly elected Congressman from Minnesota, Keith Ellison.
It seems he is creating waves in the ceremony process by refusing to take the oath of office on the Bible and wishes to buck tradition and use the Quran instead.
Although it is not specific religious observance it is nevertheless based upon religious artifact. There has been an argument on both sides regarding this issue in the media.
Conservative radio personality and book writer Dennis Prager said, “Insofar as a member of congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible. If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don’t serve in Congress. America, Not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on. Using the Quran rather than a Bible undermines American civilization.”
Kari Moe (Ellison’s incoming chief of Staff) stated that, "I think the criticism is being flamed by the politics of division that were rejected in the '06 election cycle."
Interesting statements made by two different perspectives, but is this issue about freedom of religion? I think not. I believe that the actual act of swearing on the Bible is secondary to the occasion.
Even though I did not vote for this man he represents me and the fellow citizens of Minneapolis, but he owes it to us to act in a responsible manner and that he is not.
Right after the election he blew off a meeting with President Bush that would have been very helpful to the people of Minnesota and he decided that his personal interests trumped the people of Minnesota.
He has complained that everyone has made a big deal about his religious views and the people he has supported in the past, but it is he who has brought his faith into the sphere of discussion and forced this upon himself.
This is not about his religion, it is about all the people he is trying to inflame and the country he is trying to slap in the face with his disrespect of our traditions.
I don’t believe there was such a big deal when Mormon Governor Mitt Romney took office, or any other member of Congress of the Senate who are not bible thumping member of the church.
It is about tradition and the fact that Ellison is spitting on that tradition and it should not be allowed.
What’s next, someone wanting to swear in on the Satanic Bible? Where does it end?
Open Trackbacks! Others Blogging today that are worth a read,
Right Truth, Wake Up America, Don Surber, Woman Honor Thyself, Perri Nelson's Website, 123beta, Dumb Ox News, Right Wing Nation, Urban Grounds, Stop The ACLU, Is It Just Me?, Leaning Straight Up, Pettifog, Public Figures Beware, The Thunder Run, The Wide Awake Cafe.
Trackbacked with,
Right Truth-America. 123beta-All about Christmas blog. DeMediacratic Nation- Keith Ellison Disrespects American Traditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment