Is Virgil Goode a good representative for how America feels about Islam?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061222/ap_on_go_co/ellison_quran

Answer 1

God, I hope not! Brother Virgil needs to do some required reading. He took an oath to defend the Constitution when he took office, I believe. That means all of it, not just the parts he likes.The First Amendment legalizes religious diversity & outlaws establishment of a State Religion. If he would outlaw the use of the Qoran for the swearing in ceremony, then the Bible cannot be legally used either.

Answer 2

I don't think so personally. I know that a strong minority is so spooked by the events of 9/11 and in the middle east, that there are certainly many who have an anti-islamic attitude.

But I think the majority of Americans recognize the difference between Islam the religion, and Islamism, a political ideology that is not the view of most Muslims. I think some of the more redneck oriented folks may share Goode's fears about immigration, but most do not.

The irony of Virgil Goode's statement is that his anti-immigrant comments were about Keith Ellison, who is a native borne American!

Answer 3

Maybe America feels that way for all immigrants and Muslims from the middle east, India, Pakistan, hell they probably don't even want the Chinese here. BUT what they do not realize is without all these immigrants, foreign students coming to your country, to help build your economy, provide you with skilled labor, where would you be? All the brains you drain from the middle east, and the rest of the world, don't you think its to your benefit? I know most of your universities are full of Asians, Jews, and other foreign students, without them, you wouldn't have all those skilled scientists, doctors etc. NASA is full of Indian immigrants. A lot of Americans don't even make it to college. Anyways I wish u people would toughen up immigration laws so no immigrants come to USA, instead they would go to Canada or Australia, where they are treated better.

Answer 4

NO!!!!!!!!!!

Well he doesn't represent me or my feelings at least.

Most Muslims are peaceful people who simply want to live their lives and raise their familys, just like most Catholics. The portion of Muslims that cause harm is an tiny amount compared to the number of Muslims out there, largest religion in the world ya know.

And lets not forget that this country was founded on fundamental freedoms, one of which being the freedom of religion.

Answer 5

Sure.
For so many people, the "war on terror" has become synonymous with a "war on Islam". We hear it all the time.
Witness the current uproar about whether or not people should be able to board a plane with a copy of the Koran.

Answer 6

sadly, I think he does represent a lot of people's opinion of islam & muslims AND the way people try to apply religious tests to people in public office, which is EXACTLY what the founders intended to prohibit..... thankfully ellison is being very mellow about the situation and speaking his mind about the fact that there is simply a gap of knowledge & understanding.

Answer 7

Yes