Posted on 10/27/2004 9:27:53 AM PDT by knighthawk
PARIS - France's finance minister, a presidential hopeful, says mosques need state funding and it's time for a century-old law banning financing for religious groups to be modernized, according to excerpts of a new book hitting the shelves on Thursday.
Nicolas Sarkozy, in his book "The Republic, Religions, Hope," says extremism is festering in underground mosques and Islamic groups don't have money to build houses of worship.
"What is dangerous is not minarets, but caves and garages that keep clandestine religious groups hidden," Sarkozy says in the book, according to excerpts published in Le Monde and other French newspapers Tuesday.
Unlike Jewish and Christian groups with a history in France, Islam is relatively new here and needs a helping hand, Sarkozy says.
"In light of our past experiences and our errors, let us prove our modesty and tolerance," Sarkozy writes. "Have we already forgotten our crusades?"
The proposal to modify a 1905 law banning state subsidies for religious groups is sure to spark debate in France, which cherishes its secular underpinnings.
Sarkozy's book and its headline-grabbing proposals underline's the popular politician's rivalry with French President Jacques Chirac.
Sarkozy is expected to quit the Finance Ministry to take over leadership of Chirac's ruling Union for a Popular Movement party next month. Sarkozy makes no secret of his presidential ambitions and could be one of Chirac's main rivals in elections in 2007 if the president seeks a third term.
Le Figaro newspaper cast Sarkozy's mosque proposal as a timely political move.
"Nicolas Sarkozy thinks - and who would say he's wrong on this point - that there is no challenge more crucial for French society ... than integrating the millions of Muslims living here," the paper said in an editorial Tuesday.
The debate might not produce immediate results, the editorial concluded. "But it will definitely be a subject of great controversy for the presidential election."
Islam-list
If people want on or off this list, please let me know.
France is taking a cue from Kerry... a FLIP FLOP! Its illegal to wear muslim headware, but now they want to state fund mosques!??
Just look at the reactions on French fora... This one won't fly!
France gave aid and comfort to Ayatollah Khomeni until he managed to get his Islamofascist Revolution to take Iran (with Jimmuh Carter's help ofcourse). something is very wrong with the French.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump
Hey, it worked with Nazis and all the French had to do was give up the Jews.
And will the Finance Minister also lend a helping hand in digging his own grave and those for his future grandchildren?
The French are suicidal.
You know I disagree, Marie...
He is dead in policy. Now French know what he wants to do with our country. It is a shame, I am very angry, all our politicians are the same, we have no chance with these men. The only thing he will have, will be Mulsims' vote not French's vote. He is an careerist.
Why ? What do you think about this new ? He wants change law of 1905.
I understand your disgust with politicians, particularly as America goes into our Nov.2 presidential election. Already there's charges of voter fraud in key states. And with voter fraud, history would show you that it's always the Democrats doing it. For instance, it's amazing how many times a dead Democrat can still vote, and already the key state of Ohio has 3 counties reporting more voter registrations than they have citizens.
Buckle your seat belt, this is going to be a wild ride.:)
"Islamic groups don't have money to build houses of worship"
I don't know about France, but here in the Netherlands the Saudi's pay for lots of mosques.
Actually in France it is the same situation. Saudi pay for mosques.
Sarkosy could have a chance to win 2007 presidential election...
He has just lost 15% of votes in one day !
Perhaps, it is for fuck Chirac, because actual french president was at the beinning of a law against the wear of muslim headwear at school.
Quel con !
You are so nice with us...
In french we could say : "C'est le bordel, la France par en couilles !"
A approximativ translation : "What shit !, France is transformed into testicles"
Sarkozy is apparently recruiting voters, albeit unintentionally, for the National Front.
This is just about the most stupid thing I've seen a Continental politician say in a long time.
Regards, Ivan
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