(From August 9, 2010)
Conservatives critics are expressing outrage at the timing of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this year. Noting that in the United States, Ramadan begins on the 12th of August, and ends 30 days later on September 11th, Republican pundits and politicians alike are reacting strongly to what they perceive as the religion's lack of sensitivity toward the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and possible Republican Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich spoke out against the timing of Ramadan at a GOP diversity conference this weekend in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Gingrich stated that he had no quarrels with Muslims right to practice their faith on almost any other day, but he asked that they consider another more appropriate time, or simply forego Ramadan for the immediate future out of respect to the families of 9/11 victims.
Abe Foxman of the Anti Defamation League also released a statement stating that the ADL always supported the free practice of all religions, but that the organization was obliged to oppose Ramadan on the grounds that the existence of Islam defamed the memories of those who died on 9/11.
Although Ramadan is traditionally a time of fasting, introspection and atoning for previous sins for Muslims around the world, Foxman added that it was an unnecessary provocation and that Muslims should look toward the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur for inspiration. "Yom Kippur" he said, "is a 24 hour period of fasting, introspection and atoning for previous sins."
Based on the Muslim Lunar calendar, the holy month of Ramadan's date on the Gregorian calendar varies every year. Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he would be open to holding Congressional hearings to address the matter. "Freedom of Religion doesn't mean wherever or whenever you want." He said from the floor of the Senate. "Let them just pick a day that doesn't conflict with other holidays, and be done with it. The American people want stability and predictability. Look at Christmas, it's always December 25th. Look at Easter, it's always whenever it is too."
Former partial term Governor, Sarah Palin weighed in the subject on Saturday, Tweeting her disapproval she said, "Dont dance on the graves of fallen patriots." Later that evening she issued a follow up plea to all 'civilized' Muslims to show compassion. "All civilised Mslms, renunciate hate and vilence." [sic]
Representative Steve King (R-IA) blamed Muslims for not trying hard enough to assimilate into American society. Addressing the crowd at the annual Sioux City Pork Jamboree, King noted that he didn't see one Muslim in attendance. "America is Beer and Barbecue," he told a cheering audience, "If faithful Muslims can't enjoy Budweiser and Brats, what are they doing here?"
Glenn Beck wept profusely at what he termed the death of American values. "Folks, if you don't think that the timing of this whole thing wasn't directly cooked up by Barry O, then I've got a bridge made out of gold to sell you. No really, I really do.. Go to Goldline dot com now for more information."
Beck then announced that he was organizing a massive 'non-sectarian' rally in opposition to Ramadan where participants of all faiths were invited to reject Islam. The Church of Latter Day Saints has indicated it's participation in the event and announced that they would offer free-of-charge post-mortem conversions to any Muslim who wished to have a dead loved one saved from the fires of hell. An LDS official also confirmed that the posthumous conversions would be offered to deceased Jews as well, although for a nominal tax-deductible processing fee.
More on this story as it develops.
MSNY 08.09.10
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and possible Republican Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich spoke out against the timing of Ramadan at a GOP diversity conference this weekend in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Gingrich stated that he had no quarrels with Muslims right to practice their faith on almost any other day, but he asked that they consider another more appropriate time, or simply forego Ramadan for the immediate future out of respect to the families of 9/11 victims.
Abe Foxman of the Anti Defamation League also released a statement stating that the ADL always supported the free practice of all religions, but that the organization was obliged to oppose Ramadan on the grounds that the existence of Islam defamed the memories of those who died on 9/11.
Although Ramadan is traditionally a time of fasting, introspection and atoning for previous sins for Muslims around the world, Foxman added that it was an unnecessary provocation and that Muslims should look toward the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur for inspiration. "Yom Kippur" he said, "is a 24 hour period of fasting, introspection and atoning for previous sins."
Based on the Muslim Lunar calendar, the holy month of Ramadan's date on the Gregorian calendar varies every year. Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he would be open to holding Congressional hearings to address the matter. "Freedom of Religion doesn't mean wherever or whenever you want." He said from the floor of the Senate. "Let them just pick a day that doesn't conflict with other holidays, and be done with it. The American people want stability and predictability. Look at Christmas, it's always December 25th. Look at Easter, it's always whenever it is too."
Former partial term Governor, Sarah Palin weighed in the subject on Saturday, Tweeting her disapproval she said, "Dont dance on the graves of fallen patriots." Later that evening she issued a follow up plea to all 'civilized' Muslims to show compassion. "All civilised Mslms, renunciate hate and vilence." [sic]
Representative Steve King (R-IA) blamed Muslims for not trying hard enough to assimilate into American society. Addressing the crowd at the annual Sioux City Pork Jamboree, King noted that he didn't see one Muslim in attendance. "America is Beer and Barbecue," he told a cheering audience, "If faithful Muslims can't enjoy Budweiser and Brats, what are they doing here?"
Glenn Beck wept profusely at what he termed the death of American values. "Folks, if you don't think that the timing of this whole thing wasn't directly cooked up by Barry O, then I've got a bridge made out of gold to sell you. No really, I really do.. Go to Goldline dot com now for more information."
Beck then announced that he was organizing a massive 'non-sectarian' rally in opposition to Ramadan where participants of all faiths were invited to reject Islam. The Church of Latter Day Saints has indicated it's participation in the event and announced that they would offer free-of-charge post-mortem conversions to any Muslim who wished to have a dead loved one saved from the fires of hell. An LDS official also confirmed that the posthumous conversions would be offered to deceased Jews as well, although for a nominal tax-deductible processing fee.
More on this story as it develops.
MSNY 08.09.10
0 comments:
Post a Comment