This was originally posted on February 13, but just now as I was cleaning up the blog it got erased...thankfully I had a copy...
Ok, so, I sent an email to my elected officials on the Federal level, US Senators, Congressman, etc., regarding the use of the Quran during swearing-in ceremonies for elected officials.
The reason for my concern was because Keith Ellison, a Muslim from Minnesota who was elected to represent Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, wanted to be sworn in on the Quran.
Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the Quran knows that it is a book of wanton death, destruction and violence. As well as a book that is riddled with contradictions - unlike the Holy Bible, a book that has never been proven wrong.
I sent emails to US Senators Hillary Clinton (ugh), Chuck Schumer and Representative Tim Bishop.
Even though it was a form letter sent out to probably thousands who shared the same concerns, Bishop was the only one to actually respond to my concern, Clinton and Schumer sent a general out-of-office email or "thank you for contacting us," blah, blah, blah.
Anyway, so here is Congressman Bishop's response (below), followed by my response to his response.
Enjoy...
_____________________________________________________________________________________
February 13, 2007
Mr. James Montalto
Dear Mr. Montalto,
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the use of
religious scripture during swearing-in ceremonies for public officials.
It is important for me to have the benefit of your views, and I
appreciate the time you have taken to contact me.
The first bill passed by Congress in 1789 was the Oath Act, which
defined a simple oath of office: "I do solemnly swear that I will
support the Constitution of the United States." The oath was later
expanded to include a loyalty clause. Today, members of Congress, as a
group, raise their right hands to affirm the oath of office while the
Speaker of the House administers it. No book of scripture is necessary.
Those members who wish to may choose to have a separate, private,
oath-taking ceremony with a form of religious scripture, such as the
Bible.
I strongly believe that the Federal Government and its elected officials
must follow the Constitution, which guarantees in Article Six that "no
religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office
or public trust under the United States." The separation of church and
state is a principle cherished by all Americans.
While I hold great respect for the Bible and its teachings, I believe
that mandating its use for swearing-in ceremonies would be
unconstitutional and a violation of the religious freedom our country
was founded upon.
Thank you again for sharing your views. If I can be of further
assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. For more information
and to find out about other important issues that I am working on in
Congress, I urge you to visit my website at
http://www.house.gov/timbishop.
Sincerely,
Timothy Bishop
Member of Congress
TB/JS
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Now my response...
February 13, 2007
Dear Congressman Bishop,
I appreciate your returning my email. However, I must take issue with something you have written in your email, "The separation of church and state is a principle cherished by all Americans."
With all due respect, Congressman, separation of church and state is a fallacy. It is found nowhere in the Constitution of the United States. Nowhere. The First Amendment's Establishment Clause expressly forbids Congress from setting up a national religion. As you are aware, I am not a member of Congress; and also as you are aware, sir, asking newly elected members of Congress to be sworn in on the Bible is not establishing a national religion. So, Congress could require that all newly elected representatives be sworn in on the Bible.
The lie of separation of church and state continues and I am disheartened that an elected official of your stature would either believe and/or propagate it. Separation of church and state was mentioned in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists in Connecticut in the year 1803. In the context used, Mr. Jefferson was trying to keep the government from infringing upon the rights of the church. Sadly, it has now taken on a new and incorrect meaning.
Since this land was founded on the principles of the Holy Scriptures, requiring our elected officials to place their hand on the Bible would not be an establishment of religion by Congress. I do, however, understand that it has long been a tradition and is not a requirement to gain office.
We are living in different times now and to allow someone to be sworn in on the Quran, in our once great nation, that was founded upon Biblical principles is despicable. Do you know what it says in the Quran? Statements that state believers in Allah, the Islamic deity, should kill the infidels and idolaters. Do you know who Islam defines as infidels and idolaters? Jews and Christians. Here are just a few quotes from the Quran, that once you read them, perhaps you will gain understanding.
- Slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush. (Koran 9:5)
- A Muslim may not be killed if he kills a non-Muslim (Al Bukhari Vol 9:50)
- O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk." [al-Ma'idah 5:51.11]
- Mohammed said, “The last hour will not come before the Muslims fight the Jews, and the Muslims kill them.” (Mishkat Al Masabih Sh.M. Ashraf pp.147, 721, 810-11, 1130)
- [9.73] O Prophet! strive hard [make war] against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination.
- Allah has cursed them (the Jews) on account of their unbelief; so little it is that they believe. (Koran 2:88)
Disturbing isn't it?
What happens if a Satanist is ever elected to office? Do we allow him or her to place the right hand on Anton LaVey's Satanic Bible?
Or a witch? Do we allow him or her to place the right hand on a book of Wiccan spells?
The Bible should be the only book that is used for all swearing in ceremonies. If they do not wish to use the Holy Scriptures, then they are not required to use a book.
No other book than the Bible has stood up to the test of scrutiny.
No other book has helped found a nation.
No other book is the basis for our legal system.
No other book is the basis for our system of government.
I respectfully ask that you consider my points and fight for the truth.
Sincerely,
James Montalto