I originally wrote this last fall, but after hearing Herman Cain espousing that Americans have the Constitutional right to stop a mosque from being built, I thought I would post it here.
As some of you know, I teach a little American History. The part that I teach to 6th graders deals with America's early days. As such, I know a bit about the subject. (hopefully more than the TV talking heads.) As the media driven anti-Muslim hysteria continues, I just have to speak my mind on the subject.
Many of America's first settlers truly came here to avoid religious persecution in their home lands. The Separatists (Pilgrims) came here to freely practice their faith without interference from the Puritans and the Church of England. The Puritans came seeking a place to freely practice their faith without the vestiges of the Catholic faith found in the Church of England. Their opposition led to them being persecuted in England as well.
French Huguenots came to America fleeing a religious war against them in Europe. The Quakers came to freely practice their faith, and in establishing Pennsylvania set the model for religious tolerance we find in our founding fathers. By the way, most of the founding fathers were Deists. A deist beliefs in God, but does not belong to a religious denomination.
The bottom line is that the Freedom of Religion established in the Constitution guarantees all Americans the right to freely practice their faith, and prohibits the Government from establishing a national religion.
But the problem is Islam always attempts to assert power through government over it's followers: It's called Sharia Law. They have actually succeeded in having Sharia Law recognized in the court systems of other nations (The UK, Finland) and a judge in the US has recently stopped a law in one state that would have prohibiedt introducing Sharia Law into our court system. Where'e our protection from religion-as-law that is Sharia Law? The Constitution is supposed to protect us from that. Why does Islam always get a pass when no other religion on earth does?
ReplyDeleteNot surprised to have someone raise Sharia Law. I would note that many states in the Union recognize Torah Law of Judaism. Is there a difference? Judaic law is not forced on non-believers, unless you happen to like kosher hot dogs.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that certain people like to use the phrase "Sharia Law" as code. The Muslims that I know are faithful hard working folks who love this country, their families and God.
Sharia Law forces it's beliefs on all Muslims and it's usual victims: Women. The women who are beaten, and even killed in the name of "honor." I'm pretty sure Torah Law hasn't any of those flaws. So yeah. There's a big difference. Also 85% of Muslims polled in the UK supported suicide bombings. It's never been a religion of peace. It's never been a religion of tolerance. It's a religion of compunction. So why does Islam always get a pass? They may well be faithful and hard working. If their faith called on them to kill the infidel (which in fact, it arguably does) many wouldn't hesitate.
ReplyDeleteYes, they have a Constitutional right to build mosques. But not an absolute right. The Constitution doesn't guarantee you can build a Mosque, Church or Temple anywhere you want. Zoning laws and the will of the local community must play a part. For further enlightenment on the "Religion of Tolerance" may I recommend you view the film: "The Stoning of Soraya M."