Lawmaker: Koran not Goode book

I wonder if Rep. Goode posts here under the name "Paulo"?

Goode doesn't even have the decency to tell the truth - that the true swearing in ceremony for our representatives doesn't use any religious text, and that Ellison simply asked that he use his sacred text for his unofficial swearing in ceremony.

So is Goode going to demand that his Jewish colleagues swear on the bible too? This sort of rank, reactionary intolerance is typical among extremists, but for an elected official to so blatantly disregard the constitutional right to freedom of religion is shocking and disgusting.

I would be shocked if this didn't fit the Republican parties strategy to appeal to the lowest common denominators in society.

Are Paulo,and little Johnny/JD working for the RNC these days??

The Repubs won't learn until they are virtually extinct.

This is laughable. I'm still waiting for the Swamp eidtors to post a topic even remotely critical of Democrats and liberals. There certainly more than enough out there to fill this blog. I'd hate to think that this blog is one-sided...

Goode should go to Gitmo for his vicious attack on American values. What an a**hole -- he should go far in the GOP.

Well Mr. Goode you earned your place in Hell

Are the righties gonna condemn this scumbag or remain silent in tacit approval?

"It seems that the group is fighting a government ruling disallowing pentacles on grave markers issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs."

In fact, it was a deceased soldier's family, and they won the argument. There is now a pentacle on his grave (just as there are crosses and Stars of David on the graves of Christian and Jewish soldiers).

Keep it coming! Now that Bush's numbers are in the tank and the GOP is directionless, I hope these nutjobs of the party keep saying things that they think will serve them well politically but damage the overall party. Anyone want to join me in a draft Santorum for President movement? He can run as an independent!

no name, do you condemn or applaud this Republican. No one wants to read red herrings from no name.

Mr. Ellison's past associations with the Nation of Islam, CAIR, and supporters of Hamas make me feel like puking. Add to that his defense of cop killers such as Mumia Abu-Jamal and Assata Shakur and I have to wonder if there is not something sick in the souls of the voters who elected this man. This is not a wise Muslim. This is a dupe.

No Name...John D....JD.....

When will it end little Johnny/JD ???

I agree noname, where is the Swamp item on Sandy Burglar, er Berger, who pilfered classified documents in 2003 and threw some of then under a truck? New news was released yesterday about this. Come on liberally biased, incapable-of-being-objective LIBune reporters, how about a post on Sandy??? Or if there is one, will Frankie James use a Sandy Berger press release to absolve him of any wrongdoing?

Anyway, getting back to the Muslim congressman. So far, Muslims have proven they put Islam ahead of any nation. Will the U.S. come first for Congresman Ellison, or his allegiance to "Allah" and Mohammed?

John D,

How timely -- NOT!!!

Berger's bungling at the National Archives occurred several years ago before THE SWAMP existed. Papers were lost -- no blood (unless the archivist got a paper cut).

Keep hackin' away -- maybe you'll hit something or your computer will crash.

"So far, Muslims have proven they put Islam ahead of any nation."

What utter, bigotted, tripe.

This is the same idioitic thinking that got the Japanese interned, and that was thrown at the Catholics Al Smith and JFK.

John D, thanks for showing what a hate filled person you really are, and letting us all know to ignore what you say as much as we ignore your buddy Paulo.

So John D. has spoken and does not have any problems w/ what Republican Goode did.

John D-

Here's one muslim who has given the "last full measure of devotion" to this country.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/hsmkhan.htm

I think you owe him an apology.

I'd hate to think that this blog is one-sided...
Posted by: no name | Dec 21, 2006 2:50:51 PM

No Name,

Swamp blogs have all the right in the world to be one-sided. That's why they're blogs, not news stories. If you want to read the news, stay on the Trib's main pages. If you want to read analysis and reporters' own thoughts on what happens in Washington, then by all means, join in on the fun.

John D,

You forgot #3: Blame Clinton for something.

And don't forget Thomas Jefferson and Sally Heming.

Jose,

CAIR endorsed George W. Bush in 2000. I guess he's a terroirst sympathizer too?

John D.,

Glad that you can come out and admit your outright bigotry. What next, my friend? Deportation? Interment camps for Muslims? Keith Ellison's American ancestory dates back to the 1700's but it seems as though your vision of America is an exclusive society for Christians.

John D.: "Muslims have proven they put Islam ahead of any nation."

Unlike Geo. Bush who would never impose his right-wing religious views on the nation in contravention of our constitution.

John D.: "Will the U.S. come first for Congresman Ellison, or his allegiance to "Allah" and Mohammed?"

Does the U.S. come first for Christian congressmen or their allegiance to God and Christ? No one asks this because it is a false dichotomy. Just like the belief that one can not be loyal to both the U.S. and Islam.

That an American Muslim might not have a conflict between his faith and nation is not a particularly complex thought, but seems to be too much for some smaller minds.

John D, does George Bush, or any other official who swears in on the Bible place the US first? Or do they place their allegiance to Jesus Christ? Your argument suggests that people should swear into office with their hand on the constitution, not any particular religious text, no?

My Allegiance is to God and Country. But where John D is the right wings . Jesus comes before Country with them. So ask them where their allegiance is. The Congressman is taken the oath of office not to God or the right wing. God to him is Allah and word that means the same.

I think I can follow what you are saying Dale.

The Swamp just plays its assigned note in the Mighty Wurlitzer's grand concerto. Un-stories about Barack Obama's faith (and middle name) only add grist to the gossip and innuendo mill. Colonel McCormick would be proud of Mr. Niekirk today.

And the right-wing operatives who post here decrying the Tribune's liberalism, if they actually believe what they write, should be institutionalized. Happy Christmas, y'all!

I’m pretty conservative and voted for President Bush twice. I’m one of the neonuts you guys like to bash.

When I retired from the Air Force, I went to work in Saudi Arabia for three years. My wife and son were with me and we loved it. We made many Saudi friends. I worked at Riyadh Air Base for the Saudi Air Force running a flight simulator.

We were living in Riyadh on 9/11. At first it was scary not knowing what was going to happen. We didn’t know if we’d be evacuated with no or little notice. But fortunately things calmed down and we went back to work in a couple of days. The Saudis we worked with went out of their way to let us know we were safe. They let us know they would have protected us as they would members of their own family. Those Saudis that were my friends back then are still my friends today.

Mr Goode is a disgrace to the House and this country.

" I will have the Bible in my other hand. I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way," Goode wrote. Virgil Goode"

Uh oh! 'Virgil' was a Roman Pagan, dwelling in the First Circle of Hell!

Oh yeah, he 'claims' to be a good American Christian, but can you believe someone with the same name as a Roman philosopher?

I don't think so, America!

Just who is this alleged 'Virgil'?? I have read that he conducted someone on a all expense paid tour of HELL! Yes he did!

It's a fact.

"Romney is a clean-living, church-going father and grandfather"

Hey fish folks; wait until you hear what this guy believes. You literally won't believe it.

Stan,

This may cause you to lose cred with some people on this blog, but nice posting. You just ran up some credibility.

Stan,

This may cause you to lose cred with some people on this blog, but nice posting. You just ran up some credibility.

Posted by: c.morris | Dec 21, 2006 8:33:18 PM

Thanks, I appreciate that.

""So far, Muslims have proven they put Islam ahead of any nation."

Replace 'Muslims' with 'Jews' and it will match what was said for decades in this country, and not that long ago. Just recently, it was replaced with Liberals, and now Muslims.

By the way, most RRR's put their Christian beliefs ahead of loyalty to the US Constitution. Just ask them. They always say, 'I am a Christian first, an American second.'

It's a true fact.

OPEN LETTER TO REP VIRGIL GOODE

Dear Mr. Goode,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your recent letter to your constituents regarding your fear that “. . . in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that [you] believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.”

As a U.S. service member, I believe it in the interest of all Americans to understand the liberties provided to us, which grant your forthcoming colleague from Minnesota the freedom to do just as you wish to do—use a religious book to supplement your oath to the Constitution. I too have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, along with my fellow service members who face the ultimate price in doing so. Our Constitution preserves the right to choose religion or none at all. While there are probably Americans who agree with you, they would unfortunately be a small percentage of Americans who do not have an educated worldview.

I broadly studied the Middle East formally and lived for 1-1/2 years in Turkey, a secular democracy with a 98% Muslim population and great ally of the United States. I worked extensively with Turks and spent much of my free time enjoying the history and culture of the country. We would do better understanding all populations from the other side of the world as well as our newer residents from within rather than insulting them. Having researched and studied Islam academically including the variations in Islamic jurisprudence, having lived in a country with a mostly Muslim population, and having married a Muslim, I am disappointed by your comments and characterization of Muslims and their effect on so-called American values.

My wife is a modern, progressive Muslim from Turkey who will enrich the fabric that makes American life so valuable. She is a permanent resident alien and has applied for citizenship, not to burden resources as you suggest, but to become a full participant of the American experience as we know it. To complement her bachelor’s degree in English Literature, she has registered with Boston University to earn a Master of Science in Management. She is an avid reader of Newsweek, taught college students English as a second language, would never wear a veil, and is concerned about the impact of religion on politics in Turkey--just I am concerned about the impact of religion on politics in the United States. She also has worked as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army for nearly four years in two countries. She is a great supporter of the U.S. military, but your unfortunate comments include my wife as part of the population you fear.

I encourage you to apologize publicly to the representative-elect from Minnesota and to all Muslims in the United States. I further encourage you and your office to embrace policies that will manage and accept heterogeneity and legal immigration rationally rather than fear it and respond with what can be interpreted as emotional overreactions.

Thank you for your time.

FULL NAME WITHHELD

John D.,
While I agree with almost nothing you post on here some of your writings have lead me to believe that you are, in fact, a man of integrity. Up until today. I would expect all Americans, conservatives, liberals, Christians, Jews and what have you to come down strongly against the comments of this man Virgil Goode. Your fellow conservative, Stan, did so on this blog calling Congressman Goode "a disgrace to the House and this country". He's got it right. But what do you say John D? "So far, Muslims have proven they put Islam ahead of any nation. Will the U.S. come first for Congresman Ellison, or his allegiance to "Allah" and Mohammed?". You had an opportuntiy here to blast this disgrace yet instead you lent credence to his bigoted and immoral argument. Islam is not our enemy John. Freedom of religion is the keystone of our society, without it we have nothing. I myself am a Buddhist and if I were asked to take an oath on a bible I would not because it would not be honest. Congressman Ellison's oath would also mean nothing if he was swearing on a book that meant nothing to him or his beliefs. By taking it on the Koran he is telling his consituents and the American people that he is swearing to HIS God that he will faithfully execute the duties he has been elected to perform. If a Wiccan, Hindu, Buddhist, Scientologist, Mormon or meember of any other faith were elected to Congress I would expect them to swear their oath on whatever Holy text had meaning for them.

John I am saddened to learn that you have no idea what it means to be an American. I am also saddened that you beleive Isalm to be our enemy. Islam is the fastest growing faith in teh world and in order for us to all live in piece we must all learn to uderstand our Muslim brothers and sisters. You obviously have no plans to do so.

My viewpoint here and why I said what i did:
To date, very few Islamic leaders have distanced themselves from the hate-filled "fringe" that is cause of practically all the terrorism and deaths taking place in the world today. I have seen members of CAIR and other Islamic groups get an opportunity to repudiate murderous acts or hate-filled statements by fellow Muslims and decline to do so. In fact, one Muslim was kicked out of his mosque for coming down on Islamic terrorism. What is one to think when a Mosque throws out one of its members because he renounced Islamic terrorism?

Following the tragic tsunami disaster of 2-3 years ago (and in which I organized two fundraising programs to send money to help those in the region), we see pictures of Muslims carrying posters of bin Laden while accepting American food, money and clothing. Private and public donations from this country went into the tens of billions of dollars with very little appreciation.

A couple of times within the last few years I have had the benefit of eating with dinners with a Turkish group. To be honest, they seem genuinely interested in being a part of the American community. So perhaps my statement is too broad in condemning all. Having said that, i still need to see more action from the Muslim community of their condemnation of Islamic terrorism and assimilation into the community that is the U.S.A.

John D-

And I'm sure that the Muslims would love to see more Christians and more Americans come out against the widespread killing of their co-religionists in Iraq by this country.

Please take some time this joyous season to reflect on "Peace on Earth, Good will to men" and let go of some of the hate in your heart.

Peace and Merry Christmas.

Perhaps painting all Muslims as violent terrorists is too broad, John D.? Are you serious? Would you think it's too broad for leftists to call all Republicans Nazi Klan pigs?

"i still need to see more action from the Muslim community of their condemnation of Islamic terrorism and assimilation into the community that is the U.S.A."

Posted by: John D | Dec 22, 2006 10:21:23 AM

They don't need to apologize for something they were not a part of. (Bad grammar, I know....)

I'm Catholic, I don't run around apologizing for all the priests that boned little boys.

You judge people on their actions, not their political parties or religion. (You can judge people by what they say also, but not by what they don't say, unless you are a mind reader)

There are bad Muslims, they are the ones that need to be taken out. I don't think we can change their minds. We need the 99.9% of the one billion 'good' Muslims worldwide to help in that fight.

99.9% are good...lol

Moe

Tony, wake up! It's Muslim killing Muslim in Iraq. The few Iraqis killed by U.S. troops had nothing to do with religion but in defeating the Hussein Army or those fighting the Allied forces. Those killed included Arab terrorists killing Iraqis. Who does all the suicide bombings and kidnapping in which Iraqis are found with their heads cut off? Not Americans! Either fellow Iraqis or Arab terrorists from other countries.

Stan, as a Catholic did you condemn the priests who molested children? If not, that is a problem. I may not be Catholic, but I am Christian, and I condemn any clergy from any religion that molests any child in any way. Those who do so should NOT be sent to other locations, but imprisoned for their crimes. Criminal behavior requires punishment.

You see, I just condemned those actions by any clergy. Will not accept or make excuses for it. Will not tolerate it.

Moderate or average Muslims should be just as strong in their condemnation of Muslim terrorists. Nothing less is acceptable.

99.9% are good...lol

Moe

Produce the facts that prove you are right.

"Tony, wake up! It's Muslim killing Muslim in Iraq..."

Posted by: John D | Dec 22, 2006 12:46:07 PM

And we should stay there because...? I don't see how Muslim's killing each other is a threat to our security. I do see how a free and plotting Osama Bin Laden is a threat however.

I'm no constitutional scholar, but isn't there something in that document (1st amendment?) prohibiting Congress from restricting freedom of religion? And from article VI, clause 3 "but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

I guess Virgil wasn't real serious when he placed his hand on his holy bible and took his oath to support and defend our constitution.

John-

Haditha.

And you're just as dead if you die in a suicide bombing, our you are killed by a mistargeted "smart-bomb".

We have innocent blood on our hands too.

By the way, I still haven't seen you apologize to Captain Humayun S. M. Khan who's memorial I linked to above. For one who claims to support the troops and their mission, I thought you'd want to apologize for the slur on the honor and patriotism of a decorated soldier who gave his life for his country.

John, here are some statements you obviously missed.

http://groups.colgate.edu/aarislam/response.htm#Statements%20from%20Leading%20American%20Muslim%20Organizations:

Or does every individual Muslim have to denounce terrorism to you personally?

"Stan, as a Catholic did you condemn the priests who molested children? If not, that is a problem. I may not be Catholic, but I am Christian, and I condemn any clergy from any religion that molests any child in any way. Those who do so should NOT be sent to other locations, but imprisoned for their crimes. Criminal behavior requires punishment."

What's your point? Are you saying that since I didn't apologize to you I am somehow culpable? Of course I condemn immoral behavior.

Condemn and apologize are two different words, look them up.

Zach,

What a fine letter. Thank you for sharing it here. I encourage you to share it with your representatives on Capitol Hill (assuming, perhaps naively, that an active serviceman is free to do so). Happy holidays to you and yours and thank you for your sacrifice.

Zach, Stan - terrific posts from both of you. Although I'm considered a "liberal" (I prefer the term "progressive"), Stan, I have a great deal of respect for true conservatives who were not hijacked by the current neocon Republican far-right. I'm hoping that the real Republicans will take their party back, so that we can return this great nation to its status as a respected world leader and a good example.

Mr. Goode evidently feels his ideology is "patriotic". Any thinking person would, instead, call it bigotry, hatred and fear.