The Book in Question

[eggwards]

One of the ongoing stories since November's election was the election of Rep Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the first muslim member of congress. Really, this shouldn't be a big deal. It wasn't that he fooled his constituents for voting for someone by hiding his faith. Clearly that didn't bother the people who voted for him and thought that he'd make a good congressperson.

The problem is, when someone is different, when someone doesn't believe the way you think they should, then comes trouble. Add the current demonization and lack of understanding that goes with Islam these days, well, then the crazy comes out.

You've probably already heard that Rep. Ellison has been under attack for choosing to use the Koran, rather than the normal Bible for his ceremonial swearing-in ceremony. I put ceremonial in italics because its nothing but a photo op. the real swearing in takes place as a group, with no books of any sort.

Still, Virgina representative Virgil Goode stated that Ellison should be barred from using the Koran, and that allowing it's use could not only lead to a host of other books (right-wing talk show host Dennis Prager suggested Mein Kampf), but also lead to more Muslims getting involved with the government. Worst of all, Goode said, without better immigration laws more Muslims might come into the country and follow Ellison's lead.

Of course, Ellison is born and raised in the United States, and he is not Arab, but hey, why let such facts get in the way when we've got an enemy to fight? Trying to create a boogyman, even within the ranks of Congress is great for your political career, right?

Even though I see the book, whether it be Bible or Koran or Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals, as mearly window dressing, other's take it seriously. Why would you want any elected official to use a book that they don't have any belief in to use for an oath? It's like crossing your fingers behind your back.

Well, Ellison pulled a nice trump card today. Not backing down from his convictions, he has requested to borrow from the Library of Congress a copy of the Koran owned by Thomas Jefferson. Not only is a historical relic, but it also shows that the founding fathers were much more tolerant and eager to learn the ways of others than many of our current representatives.

Given that the book was owned by a prominent and well-respected Virginian is only icing on the cake.

Here in a time that we should be embracing the fact that Islam will be represented in our Congress, especially that it's a moderate incarnation of the Muslim faith, we shouldn't be worrying how a representative goes about his inauguration more than we should be thinking about how well he'll do his job. We should be concerned that he's a representative for the people, those of his faith and not.

Still, we should embrace the opportunity to learn more about Islam in order to understand better the world that we seem to be stumbling through so poorly, and to learn about the diversity of our own country. There's millions of Muslims already here, whether through immigration, or US citizens. We have those born into the faith and those converted. Sunni, Shiite, or Nation of Islam. They along with everyone else make up our quilt.

The religious beliefs of a man shouldn't scare us, only how he chooses to present and use them. A book is only a book, despite what it has written in it. Only a man can give it power and meaning. Suddenly we have people trying to create fear using a book and a religion they know little about. We should be better than that.

I'd suggest another book for Rep. Goode... The Zax by Dr. Suess.

Comments

[octoberdreaming.livejournal.com]

I love that Ellison is using Thomas Jefferson's Qu'ran, and I am so happy to see him being so calm and poised in reaction to the bigotry he's facing from Goode. In this situation, Goode looks bad (raving lunatic bad), and Ellison comes across as a level-headed guy who has the courage of his convictions. I wish Ellison was from Texas - he's got my eternal respect and esteem from here on out.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Well, I have heard that he has a few skeletons in the closet. I don't know if that's election rabble or not, so I'll give him a pass, but not lable him a "saint" just yet. Still, ellison has handled the situation with class and wit.

Why not let your opponent hang themselves with their stupidity!

[octoberdreaming.livejournal.com]

I don't think anyone ever got to a high office without skeletons, whether they came out or not - people live, that's enough to collect skeletons and dust bunnies in droves. But yeah. He handled the situation just as he should have - keep quiet and let the other guy braid his own rope. It's a win for all in favor of diversity over hidebound stagnation - that makes me cheer him on and give those skeletons a temporary hall pass.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

I so agree. the way he handled it, without screaming that he was wronged, or misrepresented, but just to handle it in a very positive, assured way was refreshing. He even went over to talk to the guy after their swearing in.

[darke.livejournal.com]

it isn't even the first time a holy book other than the bible has been used. Which just makes their screams of rage on THIS one all the more transparent.

[darke.livejournal.com]

M. Osman Siddique, the first Muslim ambassador in U.S. history, was sworn in on a Koran in 1999, when he became U.S. Ambassador to the Fiji Islands.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

the media needed to hit this point harder. this was never an issue before, but now with the "oppressed majority" that we have now, suddenly it's a hot button issue.

What I couldn't figure out is if a Torah or just the old testament would be used by Jewish congress people. Someone check with Leibermann's office! I guess since it's a part of the Christian Bible it wasn't an issue.

(I like that Icon)

[starzcub.livejournal.com]

Should we be surprised at the cry of Goode? In God We Trust...

I think all sentiments like that should be removed, didn't we once claim to be the great melting pot.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Goode...I'm not totally sure if he's just dumb or trying to make political hay and though, heck, he's Muslim, how can I lose? What's sad is trying to beat the immigration drum on something that has nothing to do with it!

As for In God We Trust, it doesn't bother me, but it seems archaic to me.

[randomcub.livejournal.com]

When I heard Ellison was going to use that specific translation of the Koran, I laughed and inwardly shouted,"Yes!" I think it's fabulous.

For others to make such a fuss about what book is used during the ceremonial photo op is just ridiculous, but the way Ellison has remained calm and smart amid the hubbub gives me some hope.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Well, some people just need their little bit of the spotlight. Unfortunately they don't do thourough research on how stupid their thoughts come out. I'm sure Goode thought he'd win points with his concervative Virginia Base...and there are those who do go along with his views, even though immigration really has nothing to do with the real subject.

Too many people are willing to prop themselves up on the ignorance and fears of others. It's sad, really.

Ellison has done quite well, and I think his star will rise if he continues to hold himself so well. we could use more like him.

Now if we could have more people of all religious belies learn more about the others before opening their mouths!

[dedos.livejournal.com]

That is a great way to say, "Here's mud in your eye!" to those hatemongers. :-)

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's too bad that so many of those hatemongers will stand up for Goode ...for example, Andrew Sullivan linked to this letter to the editor in a Virginia newspaper:

Freedom of speech is one of the basics of our country. Yes, we have freedom of religion but not for people aspiring to run our country.

I attend Christian conferences and one that stands out in my memory is the Northern Ohio Christian Conference held at Oberlin College, winter and summer. One summer, a Christian from the Middle East traveled from Asia to Europe to America to address the conference, which he was permitted to do. His message was: The Communists are not your enemy but the Muslims.

As Virgil Goode stated, when you take an oath in this country or are being sworn in to serve the country, your right hand is upon a Bible. I believe this is true in a jury trial. You swear to tell the truth and the Bible represents the truth to most of us. Americans fought the Revolutionary War to gain their freedoms and we are not about to let any immigrants strip it away from us.

Citizenship in this country is available to those who wish to enjoy our freedoms and rights. Why not become an American?" - a letter to the editor in Charlottesville's Daily Progress.

Luckily for us that didn't come out too coherent, did it?

[dedos.livejournal.com]

They're too blinded by fear and hatred to realize Keith Ellison isn't even an immigrant. Ugh, that makes me sad/mad. It's called Freedom of Religion motherf--kers!

[maximilliankang.livejournal.com]

That was a stunning bit of "touche'" wasn't it?

Loved it!

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Handled well, that's for sure, but will the people in Goode's camp understand that Jefferson was a more open and learned man than they? He was certainly not a fundamentalist, and perhaps agnostic.