Oath of Office

Keith Ellison is the first muslim elected to congress in the history of our great country. That speaks volumes about the diversity of our culture and about the people in the congressional district who would elect a muslim during this period of great strife between radical muslims throughout the world and America. But that is only the beginning of the story. Now we hear that Mr. Ellison has stated he will not take his oath of office by swearing on the Bible, but rather by placing his hand on the koran. Surely he will not be allowed to do so!

I haven't researched the constitution to see if placing one's hand on the Bible is a required part of the oath of office or only traditional. But as the writer in the article above argues, Ellison shouldn't be allowed to use the koran for his oath. To do so would be to undermine one of the very foundations of American civilization. For 230 years elected officials, judges and presidents have been taking the oath of office by placing their hand on the Bible.

Allowing Ellison to use the koran for his oath of office will not be a symbolic olive branch to the muslim world. Rather, as the writer suggests, it will embolden radical muslims. They will be convinced that if they continue to terrorize the world, bomb westerners (including Americans) then we will succomb to their continued demands--just like allowing Keith Ellison to use the koran for his oath rather than the Bible.

If Keith Ellison is to serve in congress then he must take the oath of office on the Bible. Otherwise, he simply shouldn't serve.

Jerome