Posted on 03/04/2003 2:34:57 AM PST by sarcasm
OLYMPIA -- He prayed for the politicians, the state's prosperity and peace for all ethnicities and religions.
But when a Muslim cleric offered the opening prayer before the state House of Representatives yesterday, at least two lawmakers stepped off the chamber floor.
"It's an issue of patriotism," Rep. Lois McMahan, a conservative Republican from Gig Harbor, said of her decision to stand in the back of the room.
"The Islamic religion is so . . . part and parcel with the attack on America. I just didn't want to be there, be a part of that," she said. "Even though the mainstream Islamic religion doesn't profess to hate America, nonetheless it spawns the groups that hate America."
Rep. Cary Condotta, a Republican from East Wenatchee, also left the floor. He said the timing was not a coincidence, but he declined to comment further on why he left, except to say he was talking to another lawmaker and "let's just say I wasn't particularly interested."
A prayer is given at the beginning of each Senate and House session, and attendance is hit or miss, particularly on Mondays.
The interfaith organization Associated Ministries of Thurston County schedules the daily chaplain, said Cynthia Zehnder, clerk of the 98-member chamber. They have selected clerics representing a broad range of faiths, she said.
Imam Mohamad Joban, of the Islamic Center of Olympia, presented yesterday's brief opening prayer.
In part, he said: "We open this session of House of Representatives in the name of Allah the one God Abraham, God of Moses, God of Jesus, and God of Mohammed, peace be upon them all. . . . We ask Allah or God to bless the state of Washington so it may continue to prosper and become a symbol of peace and tranquility for people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. We pray that Allah may guide this House in making good decisions for the people of Washington.
"At this time, we also pray that America may succeed in the war against terrorism. We pray to God that the war may end with world peace and tranquility."
Joban said the walkout was not hurtful, but ignorant.
"They're unable to distinguish between Islam as religion and way of life, and bad Muslims," said Joban, who has also given the opening prayer to the Senate. "They are easily able to distinguish between Christianity and bad Christians.
"They need to understand that like (President) Bush said . . . Islam is a peaceful religion."
Kathy Erlandson, director of Associated Ministries of Thurston County, found the small walkout disappointing, but not surprising.
"It makes me embarrassed to know that some of our legislators can't even treat someone with that common respect," she said. "He's an American citizen and he's praying for their work, then how can it be an act of patriotism to walk away?"
McMahan said she does not oppose having a Muslim cleric deliver the prayer.
Her departure was not a protest, but a personal decision not to participate because "the religion is the focal point of the hate-America sentiment in the world."
"My god is not Mohammed," McMahan added.
Joban said that if he were invited to give the opening prayer, he would do it again.
"Even if half of them leave it's OK for me," Joban said. "As a Muslim we have to respect what people believe and . . . we have to forgive something because of ignorance.
"The Holy Quran says that (one should) always respond to bad action with good and those who used to be enemies become friends."
We can always depend on you, Thinkin' Gal, to get to the root of the subject.
Wrong. You make it sound like all principles are created equal and they are not.
It is WRONG to disrespect a religion based solely on the "principle" that you don't agree with the religion, not if you are an elected official. Wrong.
And don't hand me that cr*p about "standing for what you believe." If what you believe is WRONG, is CONTRARY to Constitutional principles, then you are NOT justified in your actions, PERIOD.
I've read each and every word you've written on this thread.
Tell you what: I'm going to ignore you from now on.
Kind of defeats the purpose of a discussion forum, doesn't it? Does that mean you give up?
It is obvious that you aren't interested in actually READING my arguments, just making my own.
Huh?
HINT: I said exactly the opposite of what you claim that I said. Get a clue.
I got a clue. You said that the vast majority of Americans don't commit hate crimes against Muslims, no matter what CAIR says, and then inferred heavily that 'bigots' like me and others here did.
Explain to me what I missed, and why I was wrong in calling that untruthful inference sleazy.
Weak.
I AM saying that I don't have to love 'em.......I don't have to stand there and pretend to be reverent when an Imam issues a prayer. I know a bit about their religion; maybe you don't. I know who they're praying to. You obviously don't......or don't care.
You're welcome to your "enlightened view". I call it "lack of conviction".
When we as a country invoke "God's" name, He is the God of the Old and New Testaments. He is NOT Allah; He is not Dogstar; He is not Isis; He is not Nature-Boy; He is not a Tree Spirit; He is not a warlock; He is not an all-encompassing Oneness.
God willing, He never will be.
Please site what Constitutional principle these people broke Sir? I was unaware of the kiss the enemy clause.
Ditto that. The Islamists don't rush out to defend and declare their love for this country when it's attacked. I "question" the legitimacy of all Muslism and DO NOT give them the benefit of the doubt. The stakes are too high. Pray in privacy, but don't expect me to be welcoming you with open arms at this current juncture.
What a load of poo.....
Is he talking about the same Islam that is based on "holy" writings that specify destruction of the infidels (non-believers)?
Ridiculous bordering on soul-destroying blasphemy.
Hopefully, clarity is on the horizon.
I sent them the opposite. Islam is not standing up for America? What makes you think they are our friend? Until this war is over I'm leary of ANY Muslim and I'll leave them to be in peace, but I don't want any part of their culture or influence.
No one says you do.
.......I don't have to stand there and pretend to be reverent when an Imam issues a prayer.
If you are an elected legislator, then the rules are different for you than if you are simply a private citizen. What really gets me about this situation is that these two didn't HAVE to even be there. I'm sure they were aware who was giving the prayer, but they chose to make a scene. I think that's reprehensible.
I hope the party leaders make it very difficult for them. We don't need "Republicans" like this. Let them join some other party.
Amen
Need to check with President Bush's office on this. Maybe they can correct your misconceptions.
I'm trusting in God and in "Shock and Awe."
When billions in defense tax dollars and decades of scientific advances lead talking heads to insist this war will last "a few weeks with limited casualties," I pray they know what they're talking about.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.