America. not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on

Townhall ^ | Nov. 28, 2006 | Dennis Prager

[MikefromOhio]

Thank you.

I think, if I ever get elected to Congress (if I ever want to run), I'll be sworn in with my hand on a covered dish of my Mom's scalloped Potatoes and then have plates for everyone in the room to get some :)

Whatcha think?

[kinoxi]

If a person doesn't believe in something then taking an oath on it doesn't mean anything either. I'll bet half of congress doesn't believe in the teachings of the Bible but they take their oaths on it. I wonder how come that practice has never entered (at least dramatically) the battle of separation of church and state. Perhaps this will bring it to the forefront.

I would like more information on what "it" is if you don't mind.I don't disagree with you. I simply dont equate the koran to anything else.

[ExTexasRedhead]

American patriots are turning in their graves at this deplorable outrage. IMO, the voters have lost their minds. If our enemies have their way, the voters will lose their heads as well.

[Petronski]

Mr. Prager, you wanna bet?

[conservative in nyc]

The question in fact is whether we should alter tradition. I see no evidence we should.

Prager is dead wrong in describing the House's tradition for swearing in its members. It is done en masse on the House floor, not individually, and generally doesn't even include swearing on Bibles.

[KoRn]

Thanks for the clarification.

[conservative in nyc]

I think, if I ever get elected to Congress (if I ever want to run), I'll be sworn in with my hand on a covered dish of my Mom's scalloped Potatoes and then have plates for everyone in the room to get some :)

Whatcha think?

Sounds tasty - but who's going to hold the dish when you have to raise your right hand? And imagine if every Congressman did that! Some dishes might be more "fragrant" than others - the House floor would stink.

[yldstrk]

Next thing you know some idjit will claim that since they are an atheist they want to take their oath on some book by that Hair woman, and then some oaf will claim that their religion is Devil worship and they want to use the book of Satan. Still, since we as a country have IN OUR FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS THE PRINCIPAL OF NO STATE RELIGION, I don't see how we can require someone to use the Bible and I am not sure they have to use anything at all--he may just be making a strawman issue. I am guessing you don't have to use anything at all. When I got sworn into Federal service as an officer of the USAR there was no book.

[beethovenfan]

Islam is all about undermining American civilization.

[MikefromOhio]

LOL

An aide or something...

Maybe the wife. She made a slight improvement to the recipe since I don't exactly like onions too much :)

[quantim]

Who cares what dem-muzzies swear upon?

Both bedfellow camps are calculated liars.

May the tripe that elected this clownage feel the pain they brought upon themselves, allah akbar.

P.S. God willing, may you find your wallet the next day.../s

[Ready4Freddy]

And then there's Article I, §5. Each House makes its own rules...

[JewishConservative]

I still can't believe that the Jewish community of Minneapolis actually endorsed Ellison, despite his involvement with the Nation of Islam. The most hardcore liberals will vote for any Democrat, against their own interests and common sense. Minneapolis is the liberal stronghold of the state, but the future is looking bright for Minnesota with Pawlenty being re-elected. I think there is a very good chance that Minnesota will be a red state in 2008. The last time I was there in 2004, I saw more Bush yard signs and bumper stickers than for Kerry. I believe neighboring Wisconsin and Michigan will follow and go red as well.

[garv]

While I deplore Ellison's decision to make a political statement with his announcement regarding the swearing in, I will confine my bashing to his call for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, support for socialized medicine, gay marriage and unfettered abortion on demand. His religion is irrelevant until he proves himself to be a traitor.

Which he undoubtedly will.

[Txsleuth]

Always love to read your comments, INDY.

Did you see the thread about what Sen. Webb said to Pres. Bush??

I will ping you to the thread.

[Txsleuth]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1745528/posts

Check this out:

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks, opening it now.

[Indy Pendance]

Just wow, I commented, it's probably the last post.

[MikefromOhio]

While I deplore Ellison's decision to make a political statement with his announcement regarding the swearing in, I will confine my bashing to his call for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, support for socialized medicine, gay marriage and unfettered abortion on demand. His religion is irrelevant until he proves himself to be a traitor.

Exactly. This is a political stunt. It should be treated as such. As in, ok fine, do whatever. It's a free country. Unfortunately the reaction on this thread is the EXACT reaction Mr. Ellison is looking for.

[tpaine]

West Point cadets, take the same oath as the first West Point class did on their first day.
The same oath every other officer or enlisted man has taken.

I took the oath to protect and defend standing in ranks, right hand raised, with about twenty other men..

None of us had a hand on a bible.

This is a none issue.. No one is obligated to have a hand on any book to take a valid oath..