Ellison letter

How many more of these things are we going to have to see?

The SC Times has published an opinion today discussing whether or not Congressman Ellison can be trusted to uphold the Constitution.

Prior to taking office, Ellison even went back to his home state of Michigan and delivered a speech to fellow Muslims: "On Jan. 4, I will go swear an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I'll place my hand on the Quran," Ellison said to loud applause and cries of "Allahu akbar." (The same cries 19 other Muslims cried out on Sept. 11).

He continued, in part: "Muslims, you're up to bat right now. ... How do you know that Allah ... did not bring you here so that you could understand how to teach people what tolerance was, what justice was? How do you know that you're not here to teach this country?"

Teach America tolerance? Insulting to say the least.

According to Aafar Sheikh Idris, founder and chairman of American Open University, "Islam cannot be separated from the state," and no Muslim elected to Congress or the White House can swear to uphold the Constitution and still be a Muslim because the law of Allah as expressed in the Quran is supreme.

Can Minnesota voters trust Ellison to uphold our Constitution, our freedoms and our values when the Quran allows no free will and thought and no freedoms to women?

Congressman Ellison, in a ceremonial swearing in, used a Koran owned by Thomas Jefferson. In a ceremonial fashion, Minnesota nice was shed and angry letters such as this have littered newspapers and xenophobic opinions have pierced the conservative radio waves.

Compare Congressman Ellison and his beliefs to Congresswoman Bachmann, a devout Christian. Bachmann has historically been an extremist GOPer, aligning herslef with anti-public education groups, while fighting to oppress the GLBT community and advocates for a woman's right to choose. Bachmann has also supported the Bush tax cuts and "plan" for Iraq. In many cases, she distances herself from the true populist agenda that Minnnesotan's embrace.

Story Chat has erupted today, with close to 300 responses.

Readers are also questioning Bachmann.

smarty from wstearns
Comment Posted: 1/7/2007 9:36:37 AM
Glen, I am with you. I believe that Ellison will work within the Constitution but not so sure about our Pres. I am also waiting to see how Michelle does. If she has the melt downs she had at the state level, the 6th will have little representation at the National level as she will be rubbing her bruised feelings more than representing those who voted her in. Ellison has shown that he will and can work with others for the betterment (probably not a word) of the country and MN in particular. I believe those who elected him were well aware of his beliefs and goals. They chose him over his opponent(s). Time will tell but give the guy a chance. I also am old enough to remember when many felt JFK would never make it in the Presidency b/c he was Catholic. He would not be able to run a country and adhere to his beliefs. He did so in his short time in office. He was a fairly successful President.

Raindog
Comment Posted: 1/7/2007 9:46:27 AM
Keith Ellison may be a good congressman, of he may be a bad congressman. His faith will only be no more of a reason than Michelle Bachman's faith.
But the difference between Bachman's faith and Ellison's faith seems transparent. Bachman claims her faith and uses her faith to make decisions. It is less clear how much Keith Ellison's faith will effect his decisions.
In regard to using Thomas Jefferson's Q'ran, I believe it is a wise choice. One that clearly shows Mr. Ellison to be far more aware than our own retarded congressperson.
And then there is Charlene Singer....
Ohmigawd, where do we start? Her comments are rife with misunderstanding and fear. Deep psychological distress and ignorance. These are mountains that only she can climb. We could show her the path, but ignorance is hard to eliminate without a willingness and a natural curiosity to learn. Traits that our Miss Singer seems to be lacking.

Yet, Ellison gets the brunt of negative attention. Parking tickets aside, the people of the 5th CD elected Congressman Ellison to represent them. He took his oath and swore to upohld the Constitution of the United States. In a ceremony, he placed his right hand on a religious book the majority of Americans do not care to understand.

He swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States, with his hand on a religious book, not swearing to uphold the Koran with his hand on the Constitution.

Let's see what Congressman Ellison does for Minnesota before being indicted by the media.