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Virgil Goode: "No Islam In American Congress!"
American Congressman Virgil Goode has objected to the election of an Islamic collegue and stated that this is a threat to the traditional values and morals of the US.
He's warning for more Muslims in high political functions and warns for the day they will demand to take the oath on the Koran and not the bible.
The council on American-Islamic relations has already asked for apologies but Goode has refused and stands firm on his opinion!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
The Constitution, The Constitution, The Constitution. :icon_cool:
When these guys are officially sworn in, it's to the Constitution. The Bible or whatever holy book they wanna use is strictly for photo ops and is a separate issue. If a Muslim wants to Koran, a Jew the Torah, a Christian the Bible, Wiccan Mother Jones :icon_biggrin: , or atheist nothin', it's up to the individual.
Virgill is either ignorant to that fact or simply playing to his base voters who fall for this sort of nonsense!
Find them and destroy them!
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Many have entered Congress without swearing on any book. There was even a couple of Presidents who I believe opted out of swearing on the Bible. One President I believe was a Quaker and didn't believe in the concept of swearing on a book.
I for one am truly disgusted with the neo-conservatives views on Islam. Traditional Islam and fundamentalism are a neat fit with paleo-conservatism. But obviously these Republicans are only economic conservatives and conservative when it fits their economic benefit.:icon_twisted:
For a President of the US to attempt to democratize the Middle East and replace religious values with secular ones is one of the most radical ideas any President has dragged his constiguency into.
Underground Hit [Level 5]
True that, Paul!!! But due to the fact that there exists such things in this country as, "Narrow Minded Patriatists", who can't see beyond the tips of their noses, because of what's been BRED into them by some "Red-Neck" from years gone by, they just won't get it!!!Originally Written by paul
Now, this country is a supposed "Melting Pot", of many races, cultures, creeds, colors, etc. They were all welcomed by Lady Liberty, when they came to this country. (Well, maybe with the exception of my people. But WE do have one of ours in the White House!!!) I'm originally from NYC, so my philosophy, is: "Go for what you know, baby!!! I respect and get along with you, do the same for me"!!! Many of my friends come from different nationalities, therefore I was able to learn about and respect different ways of life.
When I joined the Navy in '78, going on an Indian Ocean & Mediterranean Cruise facinated me to Death!!! Because I never had any prejudices in me, especially with the LADIES.....(OH MY GOD, THOSE MORROCCAN WOMEN WERE BEAUTIFUL!!!) Eh, hem.....that's another story.
As a child, I was raised up in the Baptist church. Why? Because it was bred into my "Southern Parents", whose ancestors were brainwashed into believing that it's the "GOSPEL TRUTH", by some narrow minded Red Neck Patriatist, that just so happened to be their former Slave Master. So when I was 16, I decided to do the Muhammad Ali thing, and study Islam, and become a Muslim. Boy, did I get the 3rd Degree from my Parents!!!
But because of a lack of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding, people like Virgil Goode, are totally ignorant, to the fact, that GOD was, is, and always shall be, WHOEVER HE WANTS TO BE!!! But because of language barriers, He is not always understood by what "OTHER PEOPLE" call Him:
Spanish - El Dios
Hebrew - Yahweh
Arabic - Allah
Chinese - Buddah
Roman - Zeus
Norse - Odin
English - God
Rastafarian - Jah
And because we are all part of the "Human Family", God breathed into Man, and he became a living soul. And if the Qur'an says the same thing, and then comes back with: "If you are in doubt about the sayings in This Book, then go back to The Book before This.", (which is The Bible), isn't that enough proof that HE IS ONE AND THE SAME??? DUUUH!!!
If one is in doubt as to what he/she should call the Master Of The Universe, think about what HE told Moses, when Moses asked Him for His name: "I AM THAT I AM. THUS SHALT THOU SAY UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL..."I AM", HATH SENT ME UNTO YOU"!!! God sounded a little sarcastic with that one didn't He???:icon_confused:
But hey, He's the Boss, and my arms are wwwaaayyy too short to Box with Him!!! Now getting to the Poly-tricks (Politics) of the matter. Why do I call it Poly-Tricks? Poly - meaning, many or multi sided, & Tricks - meaning, games or deceptions. NOW, YOU DO THE MATH!!!
If Obama, who has openly admitted that he was once a Sunni Muslim, and we've all seen pictures of him in his Islamic attire, I used to wear it too. Should he be shy about it, and/or try to hide it under a Bushel Basket, whenever the Media gathers around? Forget about what narrow minded Patriatists like Virgil Goode says, I guarantee you, when the media's all gone for the day, and Obama and Michelle are at home chillin' with the kids. Barack Obama, finds himself a quiet corner in the White House, rolls out his prayer rug, and says: "AN SHADDU AN LA ILLAHA ILLALLAH"
"I bear witness that there is No God, but God".
'NUFF SAID
Last edited by KBallenger53; February 20th, 2009 at 03:11 PM.
Chart Hit [Level 6]
I don't know anything about Virgil Goode except his name, so I won't go ahead and back him.
However, I think it should be pointed out that the entire set of moral values governing law-making and politics in this country are those common to most western countries: judeo-christian values. As Americans, whether we acknowledge/like it or not, our concept of good VS bad, right VS wrong, moral VS immoral etc. is directly inspired, if not dictated by the Bible. So basically, as a nation, we all have in common values directly taken from the Bible, whether actual Christians or not, believers or not. It's part of our culture; at the roots of our culture, actually.
So when a politician is sworn in on the Bible, it's a highly symbolic act. Not only does it represent a superstitious safeguard against any wrongdoing he might be tempted to give in to while in office, it's also a symbolic promise that he'll obey the moral code of values we have in common as Americans.
I believe the uproar ignited by the idea that someone may choose to be (symbolically) sworn in on a different book, especially the Quran, lies in the fact that we want those given power in policy-making to make decisions, and shape our future laws, in tune with our values. Rejecting the Bible can therefore be seen as rejecting our values. And choosing the Quran instead only worsens that feeling, as the black Americans who converted to Islam in the second half of the 20th century often did so in rejection of what was viewed by the most radical as the "white man's" religion, Christianity. (Obviously ignoring that the portion of those Africans brought over as Muslims had been previously forcefully converted to Islam by the Arabs when they took over North Africa, and parts of sub-saharan Africa, and had been sold to the white slave merchants either by the Arabs themselves, or by African tribe chiefs. But that's an entirely different matter.)
It should be added that the form of Islam that developed in the US among the black population (mostly) is VERY different from that professed in cultures overseas, to the point there's often deep misunderstanding, in some cases antagonism, between Arab and Pakistani immigrants among others, and black domestic muslim communities. One of the reasons for that, beyond the obvious cultural background oppositions, is that Blacks, in the Arab world, and to a variable extent throughout the rest of the Muslim world, are typically viewed as second-class humans. In semi-literary Arabic, "khaal" and "kahloosh" (respectively the color black, and black man) are insults. And even in educated, more open-minded although traditional families like those living in Europe, it's commonly accepted that a Muslim daughter will be more easily granted by her parents to a non-black christian husband than a black muslim, although both are usually unacceptable, since Islam faith is transmitted to the children by the father (one of the duties of an observant muslim, is to contribute to the empowerment of Islam, by converting, or better yet, breeding.)
I agree with you, KBallenger53, on the fact that mediterranean women can be beautiful. But I'd be interested to know how many, if any, Moroccan women you managed to go out with, as a black man. And if any, if you frequented them in public, amid the locals, without at the very least getting hassled.
Your pointing out that the "big 3" monotheist religions have in common the same god is fine and dandy, except that you seem to forget what makes many Westerners suspicious of Islam in the first place: that an important portion of its followers and clerics not only disagree with you, but also deem those impure (non-muslim) not to be worthy of living.
In my opinion, the whole issue over which book to swear upon isn't the most important. For now, it only involves black american converts, who are usually rather mild-mannered and already integrated. The broader issue in the (near?) future will be dealing with the cultural difficulties posed by the integration (or not) of growing numbers of immigrants from muslim countries, who oppose assimilation, as is already seen throughout Europe. In some heavily-populated cities with a large muslim minority, militant groups are already demanding that public facilities such as swimming pools be segregated as to not mix men & women on the same days (in France!), or certain books be banned from public libraries. I've never accepted the Moral Majority's (and its sister organizations) agenda to control what I read, watch, or do; I'm certainly not prepared to accept that from anybody else.
Last edited by KoolChris; February 24th, 2009 at 07:33 PM.
...Boogie Boogie Boogie Boogaaaaaay.....
Underground Hit [Level 5]
You've brought out some very good points Chris!!!:icon_cool: But from what I can remember as a child, the Pledge of Allegience said: "ONE NATION UNDER GOD". It didn't say: "ONE NATION UNDER CHRISTIANITY"!!!And due to the fact that this Country is a supposed "MELTING POT", that gives "LIBERTY, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL", what gives people like Virgil Goode, the right to feel like he should force his Self Righteous, Narrow Minded opinion, as to what Scripture, someone should be sworn in on? I agree with you as far as the "Moral Standing" of the Bible, but every person has a right to choose what they want, as long as it doesn't contradict what this country stands for.
That's why I brought out the point towards the end of my prior post, that if Obama still wants to say he's a Muslim, and practice Islam, he shouldn't be ashame of it because of what the media has stereotyped Islam as being. Besides, what's worse, being: "SOMEONE WHO SUBMITS HIMSELF TO DO THE WILL OF GOD" (Muslim), or SMOKING CIGARETTES!!!
In answer to your question about my assocations in Morocco. Chris let me tell you, I was welcomed with OPEN ARMS!!! I've sat in the outdoor cafes with the elders on cushions, and smoked pipes with them! I've walked arm in arm with not one, but 2 of the most beautiful women that I ever had the priviledge of making love to, without a HASSLE in the world from the people passing by. IF ANYTHING, I RECEIVED MORE SMILES FROM THEM THAN ANYTHING ELSE!!!
If I had a time machine, I'd go back in time to 1981, and bring them back with me!!! I was stationed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, 21 years old, and we visited Tangiers, and Casablanca. And believe me, when it comes down to what the media says, as Flava Flav used to say: "DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE"!!! The public needs to be less Religious, and more Spiritual. By becoming more spiritual, all of the biases, prejudices, and separations, will cease, and this world would become more harmonious.
Then we can tell people like Virgil Goode, to shut the hell up!!!
'NUFF SAID
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Interesting points guys.
First, the women.There are so many beautiful women all over the world. It's a shame I couldn'r hook up with all of 'em
As for Obama, he is a christian. Don't forget all the Rev Wright stuff that was so controversial!
Now the pledge. How many nations have there citizens do a pledge of allegiance? I don't know but it always seemed counter to democracy and in some ways embraced the hated commie principles IMHO.
Also, the "under god" wasn't part of the pledge till the 1950s.
Find them and destroy them!
Underground Hit [Level 5]
Well, I wasn't born until 1960, so that was a little before my time when they added the "Under God" part. But, I dig where you're coming from.Interesting points guys.
First, the women.
As for Obama, he is a christian. Don't forget all the Rev Wright stuff that was so controversial!
Now the pledge. How many nations have there citizens do a pledge of allegiance? I don't know but it always seemed counter to democracy and in some ways embraced the hated commie principles IMHO.
Also, the "under god" wasn't part of the pledge till the 1950s.
The reason why he had to split from Mr. Wright, was because of Mr. Wright's affiliation with Minister Louis Farrakhan!!! And because of Farrakhan's firery reputation, Obama just couldn't have that type of association on his record to become President of The United States. So he had to become a Christian!!! It's bad enough he smokes cigarettes, and they're trying to make a big deal about that!!! Stupid tabloids!!!
And Paul, if you had been with me in the Navy, man, you'd have a Ball!!! When they say, a Sailor has a woman in every port, they never lied!!!
'NUFF SAID
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
I'm a 1960 baby too. I just know a little of the history. Sex, Disco, and Politics are among my chief interests :icon_biggrin:Well, I wasn't born until 1960, so that was a little before my time when they added the "Under God" part. But, I dig where you're coming from.
The reason why he had to split from Mr. Wright, was because of Mr. Wright's affiliation with Minister Louis Farrakhan!!! And because of Farrakhan's firery reputation, Obama just couldn't have that type of association on his record to become President of The United States. So he had to become a Christian!!! It's bad enough he smokes cigarettes, and they're trying to make a big deal about that!!! Stupid tabloids!!!
And Paul, if you had been with me in the Navy, man, you'd have a Ball!!! When they say, a Sailor has a woman in every port, they never lied!!!
'NUFF SAID
Not that it's bad but I don't believe President Obama experienced that much "African culture" much less Islamic culture.
Yes I do believe it when he says he's Christian. I used to be Catholic/Christian up until 15 years ago. Now I'm atheist. Believe me, you can ask the members on this board who know me and they will attest how staunchly atheist I am :icon_biggrin:
Find them and destroy them!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
By the way, I was never in the Navy but I've had my share :icon_biggrin:And Paul, if you had been with me in the Navy, man, you'd have a Ball!!! When they say, a Sailor has a woman in every port, they never lied!!!
'NUFF SAID
I hear bro. The memories keeps a smile on your face too huh :icon_biggrin:
Find them and destroy them!
Underground Hit [Level 5]
Hey Paul, 1960 was a GREAT year wasn't it?
Let me tell you something else Bro, whatever your way of life is, as long as it's peacful, is alright with me. I have a cousin that's also an Atheist. And through the years we've had KNOCK DOWN, & DRAG OUT debates about the existance of God. My theories are based on Scriptures and Spirituality, while his are based on Science and Logic. Sometimes I wonder if he's a Vulcan!!!
But, we get along just like Kirk and Spock.To me, one of the biggest misconceptions with Atheism, is that it's related to Devil worship or Satanism.:icon_twisted: Which I've discovered, through my cousin, is the furthest from the truth. He believes totally in Pro-Creation, and Self Preservation, and when you're dead, you're done!!! I'm like this, WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT, man!!!
And as you can tell, GREAT MEMORIES, do put a smile on my face!!!
'NUFF SAID
Last edited by KBallenger53; February 27th, 2009 at 07:05 PM.
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Sounds more like Spock and Bones :icon_biggrin:Hey Paul, 1960 was a GREAT year wasn't it?
Let me tell you something else Bro, whatever your way of life is, as long as it's peacful, is alright with me. I have a cousin that's also an Atheist. And through the years we've had KNOCK DOWN, & DRAG OUT debates about the existance of God. My theories are based on Scriptures and Spirituality, while his are based on Science and Logic. Sometimes I wonder if he's a Vulcan!!!
But, we get along just like Kirk and Spock.
Out of curiousity, ask your cousin if you can or care to, how he feels about the term "Atheism"? I reject it due to it's implication.
Find them and destroy them!
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