Author Topic: Swearing in to congress (Read 900 times)

Chairboy · « **on:** December 02, 2006, 10:36:33 AM »

Congress traditionally swears in its new members on a bible, but this year there's something new: A muslim has been elected, and would like to personally swear in on a Quran.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1153AP_Ellison_Quran.html

Some folks in congress are upset about this, saying he should swear in on "this nation's bible". I know there are a wide range of opinions here on religious matters, but I'd like a quick reality check: I assume that the person objecting to this muslim guy's use of a Quran is not representative of the wider group, right? The article made it sound like this was something that all the conservative folks would be in arms about (because they feel he should swear on a bible). Religious freedom is a foundation of our nation, so I would expect these people to support the muslim gentleman instead.

So, is it just an isolated group of cranks making a fuss? Or does most of america believe that religious freedom just means 'freedom to worship jesus'? If that's true, I think there's a disconnect between the constitution and what we're practicing as a nation, and that's not a good place to be.

Thread idea: Let's discuss the issue instead of me if ye can.

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:42:45 AM »

It's not like many of the rest of them take the whole swearing in thing seriously anyway. It's kinda like promises to voters.

CAF51 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:42:49 AM »

WTF, it's not like any of them actually follow the Bible, besides swearing on a Bible is technically wrong, "Seperation of Church and state." It's just a book!

Thrawn · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:43:52 AM »

Let's discuss the fact that the author is a liar. Congress swears in en mass by raising their right hand...period. They don't use a bible traditionally or otherwise.

Chairboy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:51:47 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Thrawn
Let's discuss the fact that the author is a liar. Congress swears in en mass by raising their right hand...period. They don't use a bible traditionally or otherwise.

Well, google news is tracking 250+ stories on the subject.

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&ie=UTF-8&ncl=1111548442

Thrawn · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:58:54 AM »

So? Show me a picture of a crapload of congressmen being sworn in with their hands on bibles.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2006, 11:07:23 AM »

Quote

besides swearing on a Bible is technically wrong, "Seperation of Church and state."

I'd suggest thinking out your replies before saying stupid things again.

The bible represents truth and honesty. If this guy wants to promise this on the Quran, he should. Don't mistake that he is a politician, and shouldn't be trusted no matter which religion.

john9001 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2006, 11:35:11 AM »

whole thing is ridiculous, the reason christians swear on the bible is because they think it is sacred and believe in it, a muslims do not believe in the bible, they believe in the quran, if a muslim swore on the bible it would mean nothing.

which brings up the question, what do atheists or agnostics swear on?

in floridas courts the witness does not swear on a bible, they do not even have to swear, the court reporter (judge's assistant) asks the witness if they "swear or AFFERM that what they testify will be the truth ect".

Donzo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 02, 2006, 11:41:01 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by john9001
which brings up the question, what do atheists or agnostics swear on?

Nothing....they have that option.

VOR · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2006, 11:56:02 AM »

What difference does it make if he raises his hand, puts it on a book or does an interpretive dance? When he gets caught taking kickbacks for pushing legislation, he won't be tried in a church or mosque.

It's a non-issue.

Donzo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:09:29 PM »

If it's a non-issue he should just exercise his right to just raise his hand and not swear on anything.

IMO he's just trying to push an issue.

Chairboy · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:31:11 PM »

Donzo, I don't follow. The person making this an issue is Dennis Preager, not the muslim congressman.

lukster · « **Reply #12 on:** December 02, 2006, 02:04:00 PM »

Dennis Prager is a talk show host. Of course he's going to try to stir up controversy. Non-issue.

x0847Marine · « **Reply #13 on:** December 02, 2006, 02:08:30 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by john9001

which brings up the question, what do atheists or agnostics swear on?

I dont know about Clonegress... every time I got sworn in at court, I'd politely refuse to swear to 'god' and be read an "alternative admonishment"... I had one defense attorney call me a "heretic" in the hall lmao

The whole thing is silly, why do politicians get their nuts in a wad over symbolism? this book, that book... who gives a fece, get the BS ceramony over with, STFU and do your frikn job.

However, if elected to Clonegress, I will swear my oath on Playboy and promise to uphold boobs.

x0847Marine · « **Reply #14 on:** December 02, 2006, 02:23:07 PM »

Does anyone bother to analize the news anymore?, this article is a joke.

The article states this dude has "has offended some conservatives"... humm, so how many people are offended?, a grand total of one, a bottom feeding media attention hooker named Prager...

Wow. So 1 media guy gets offended and its "news"?

On top of this not even being interesting, much less "news", Pragers opinion can be discredited and written off as BS; his premise is a wild assumption with zero basis in fact. Prager states ".... America is interested in only one book, the Bible," which is obviously so false, and un-american, its laughable.

I guess if K-Fred and his bimbo are "news", an opinion lacking reality from a media guy is news these days too.