Religious bigots in America seem to think that now is their moment, sadly. The latest dust-up is over a congressman who has written to his constituents excoriating Islam and the entering Congressman who is Muslim. Juan Cole explains why such behavior is un-American and against our United States Constitution. An excerpt, but please do go read the whole stirring condemnation: Informed Comment.
This amendment forbids Goode and other congressmen from formally supporting one religion or sect over another. The "establishment" of religion in the 18th century meant that the state backed it, collected money from citizens for it, and used police to enforce its beliefs and rituals (Virginia jailed Quakers for refusing baptism).
But the amendment not only forbids the government from supporting a particular religion, it also guarantees that Americans can freely practice any religion they wish. The government cannot "prohibit" the "free exercise" of any religion in the US, including Islam.
If Goode sponsored a bill to limit immigration for the express purpose of excluding Muslim immigrants or preventing the free exercise of Islam, the bill would be unconstitutional.
Cole cites Jefferson, Washington, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as the 1797 treaty with Libya.
Juan Cole's statement reminds me of why I remain an American citizen.
Does it really matter what instrument you use to swear an oath? Using the Bible doesn't seem to stop corruption in government. Maybe trying something else will help. Better yet, lets just keep our oaths.
Posted by: rbayne | December 23, 2006 at 09:42 AM
From what I understand, they don't use a holy book for the official oath, they merely raise their hands and solemnly swear. This is in the spirit of "let your yeah be yeah, your nay, nay." The book business is for private ceremonies with cameras and publicity. Kind of like the Pharisee who goes and prays in public on a street corner.
Posted by: Leila | December 23, 2006 at 10:22 AM