[dannyboy72]

Well, you could (for example) make exactly the same point about Christian Reconstructionists, who would also like to convert many if not all Americans to their version of Christianity and then begin the process of instituting their strict "Christian" law.

The difference is that Christianity is not at odds with Democracy. Islamic practices are at odds with democracy. The country has been judeo-christian since it's inception and we've moved farther away from their practices not toward them. With a muslim majority, they would push the country toward religion and ultimately into Shari'a

I do not doubt that there are man fine americans who are also of the islamic faith. My problem is their ability to protect our country's democracy over the teachings of their faith, as Christians must do each day. Can or will they separate the two? That question needs to be answered.

[Ksnavely]

"With a Muslim majority, they would push the country toward religion and ultimately into Shari'a"

If a country whose majority is comprised of Muslims would inevitably become a theocracy, then how do you explain secular Turkey? Or the democratic progress in Iraq and Afghanistan? I have asked this 2 or 3 times and have not gotten a direct answer. If democratic ideals cannot coexist with democracy then why the f$#@ are our boys over there dying to provide them that freedom?

[dpwiener]

I do not doubt that there are man fine americans who are also of the islamic faith. My problem is their ability to protect our country's democracy over the teachings of their faith, as Christians must do each day. Can or will they separate the two? That question needs to be answered.

The answer is that some will separate the two and some won't. That's the same answer for other religions, including Christianity. That's why you treat individuals as individuals, and not make blanket assumptions based on their membership in some group. And that's why the U.S. Constitution forbids any "religious test" in determining a person's qualification for office.

For certain there are many Muslims who I'd trust to support our Constitution even over the teachings of their faith (if it came to that) than I would trust Pat Robertson to do so.