Why is Rep. Virgil Goode so against Ellison using the quran to take his oath of office. Isnt one of the main values and beliefs of the United Stated of America freedom of religion.
2006-12-22 03:42:59 · 13 answers · asked by DAMON 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061222/ap_on_go_co/ellison_quran
2006-12-22 03:45:52 · update #1
Goode can't stop it. Article VI of the US Constitution prohibits religious tests to hold office:
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trusts under the United States."
Goode is a bigot, this is not a Christian nation, nor has it ever been. If I was elected to Congress, being a Deist I would refuse to be sworn in on a Bible. They could swear me in on a copy of the US Constitution, I think it would be more appropriate.
2006-12-22 03:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It was the last time I checked. Actually, he can use any book he chooses, from Green Eggs and Ham to the Bible or Koran or anything in-between. This is much ado about nothing. Just the Republicans making a big issue out of something that is nothing. And lest we forget, one of the most beloved people in this country - Muhammad Ali - is a Muslim. If that's his religion, and he wants to use his "holy book" why not?
I do wonder though, what's going to happen when it comes prayer time - is the good Rep. Ellison going to leave the House floor to go kneel on his prayer rug and do his thing? Wonder how many votes he'll miss because of that.
2006-12-22 03:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Heard a story today on NPR regarding this issue. The Koran they are using for swearing in belonged to Thomas Jefferson and the book has historical value due to its provenance. Also, the swearing in when he is using the Koran is a more informal affair since he is re-elected. Jefferson had acquired the book as a basis for studying law. Of course the Koran brings up a lot of emotional issues for our country (thanks to GWB) but all told, he is swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States not Muslim law or ideals. Its just a holy book. You can hardly compare comic books or TV Guide to the Koran or Bible.
2016-05-23 15:44:04 · answer #3 · answered by Kimberly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Oathtaking is not rocket science. If the framers wanted Presidents to invoke God when taking the oath of office they could have worded the oath to accomplish that objective. Instead, the constitutional oath of office contains no reference to God, need not be administered on the Bible, and need not even be considered an oath. Contrary to the accommodationist argument, Article II, section 1 is evidence that the framers intended the federal government to be secular in its operation."
2006-12-22 03:55:20 · answer #4 · answered by MishMash [I am not one of your fans] 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because Goode is a racist.
Who gives a damn what Ellison puts his hand on in a PRIVATE ceremony. He could put it on "On the Origin of Species" if he wanted to (although it would be somewhat silly).
2006-12-22 03:45:19 · answer #5 · answered by SatanicYoda 3 · 7⤊ 0⤋
The swear in ceremony for members of the Congress doesn't involve a religious book,,this is a publicity stunt.
2006-12-22 04:05:17 · answer #6 · answered by Sean 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is.
I have no idea what the fuss is. I guess because the oath in this country has always been before "God", not Allah.
2006-12-22 03:46:19 · answer #7 · answered by Dog Lover 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The date is late,, we need to stop these trash people from eroding our society.
God bless Goode for having some back bone.
2006-12-22 03:49:29 · answer #8 · answered by neil r 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is pretty obvious that Virgil is a racist.
2006-12-22 03:45:30 · answer #9 · answered by Wayne Z 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it is just a headline grabbing stunt.
2006-12-22 03:44:59 · answer #10 · answered by netnazivictim 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋