Religious wars

Congressman warns against 'Muslims elected to office'

Should all American citizens, like Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., be concerned that "many more Muslims" will be elected to positions of power and influence in America? There are several ways to approach this question.

First, would this actually happen in America? Sure, Islam is a fast-growing religion in America, but it's not growing that fast. With almost 80% of America professing to be Christian, and only 0.6% Muslim, America will not become a Muslim nation anytime soon. Even if America does start becoming more Muslim, it's only fair that they be given proportional representation, since this is how a democratic system ought to work.

Second, is this really a cause for concern? In the current political climate, it is fashionable to treat Muslims the same way Nazis and Communists were treated not too long ago. The same kind of rhetoric is used: they are the enemy, they are a threat to our way of life, they hate democracy and freedom, etc. etc. This very well may be true of some Muslims, namely extremist terrorists and their supporters. However, it is hardly fair to say these things about all Muslims, everywhere. Nor is it fair to say that Islam, the religion, promotes violence. The practice of any religion depends on its interpretation, and any religion that gives the slightest bit of room for crazy interpretations will have crazy followers.

Third, is this really something that requires action? The way I understand representative democracy, it is the people who decide who represents them. If the people want to elect a lecherous, homosexual old man, that is their choice. If they want to elect a man who cannot speak their own language, that is their prerogative. In other words, the people get exactly the kind of representative they deserve. If we want to change this system, then we need to modify the Constitution. As it is, a single Muslim representative is not the worst thing that could happen to us. Besides, since when has one's religion played a role in whether one is eligible for office or not? Unless the American government is willing to abandon separation of church and state and declare a holy war (or at least a ban) on Islam, it shouldn't matter what religion our government officials practice.

Rep. Goode later clarified his statements: "I have nothing against Representative Ellison and his ability to practice whatever religion he likes behind closed doors, but I cannot stand by idly and watch as a symbolic gesture emboldens terrorists and puts America in danger."

Perhaps allowing Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, our first Muslim elected to Congress, to be sworn in using the Koran would be seen by Muslims around the world as a tolerant, embracing act. Extremists have a foothold in the minds of their supporters only if their chosen enemy is antagonizing them. When we rape Arab countries for their oil and kill innocent people, this only fuels the fires for extremists. What really puts America in danger is when we act unjustly, whether it be in Iraq when we kill innocent civilians or on our own soil when we deny an elected representative to be sworn in using the sacred text of his own choice.