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Goode goes bad
Rep. Virgil Goode's unfortunate point of view
Date published: 1/4/2007 Goode goes bad REP. VIRGIL GOODE, a Republican who represents Virginia's Eschewing damage control, Mr. Goode has refused to retract a letter to constituents warning that unless the United States tightens immigration, "many more Muslims" will gain elective office. This, he apparently believes, is a ghastly prospect. Mr. Goode's Web site features a "Kids' Corner." What does he tell children about the founding of America by religious dissenters? The congressman appeared on Fox News the other day to say that most constituent feedback has been positive. But even if many 5th District voters dislike Muslims, Mr. Goode's duty isn't to pick up a torch and run to the front of the mob. In response to this xenophobic braying, Rep. Jim Moran, D-8th, who himself has hit many potholes on the road to enlightenment, suggests that adding more Muslim Americans to the political process "is a goal, not something to be avoided." Certainly ghettoizing Muslims politically or in any other fashion is, as some European nations have learned, a recipe for trouble. Mr. Goode became the nativists' man of the hour when he condemned the plans of Minnesota Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, a native-born Democrat who embraced Islam in college, to swear his oath of office on the Quran rather than the Bible. But we don't all share the same religion, so we don't all share the same "good book." Mr. Goode's views hardly align with the "values and beliefs traditional to the United States" that he claims to be championing or, for that matter, his own professed Christian faith. WWJD? Not blacklist according to creed. To say it once more, the United States is a great nation not in spite of, but because of, its diversity. What a pity that Mr. Goode doesn't grasp that.
Date published: 1/4/2007
Jefferson's Quran
(posted by
Aquaclara
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
I'm also pleased that Ellison chose the Quran from Jefferson's library for his oath. Perhaps this will encourage Americans to recall Jefferson's conflict with Islam (Barbary nations) during the early days of our nation. Also, it may help underscore the contrast between Jefferson's views of religious freedom and the religious tyranny practiced by Islam today. Indeed, let's keep America free and remember why we rebelled against religious tyranny.
Jefferson's Quran
(posted by
GCRUMPLEY
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
I am a Virginian and a Unitarian Universalist who feels my values of tolerance and religious freedom is in the minority.
I'm pleased to see Keith Ellison choose a Quran from Thomas Jefferson's library. Jefferson was also a Unitarian who fought to maintain America's guiding principle of religious freedom. He authored the 1786 Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom instituting separation of church and state in Virginia.
Let's keep America free and remember why we rebelled against religious tyranny.
Missed Opportunity
(posted by
Aquaclara
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Unfortunately, the general thrust of Goode's comments were lost in the media frenzy to sensationalize the 'attack' on Ellison and his use of the Quran. The larger issue Goode addressed, and that most chose to ignore, was the impact of Muslim immigration on our country. Goode is absolutely correct that we should be very concerned with the issue of Muslim immigration given the conflict of that religion with American values and traditions. I think we missed the opportunity to address that important concern.
Well said!...
(posted by
DavidBirch
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
... But by who?
May we know who the author is?
If you don't have something Goode to say ...
(posted by
fameduri
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Thanks for your reasoned and accurate comments on Rep. Goode's unfortunate opinion. Each time we target our own liberty or embrace ignorance we do more damage to freedom than any enemy could possibly do. Does Mr. Goode advocate Christianity as our state religion? Which version of Christianity would be acceptable to hime? Perhaps it would be best if elected officials placed their hand on the Constitution instead -- or at least read it from time to time.
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