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Reader comment on:
Islamic Group Demands U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council Appointee Be Ousted

Submitted by Howard R, Dec 6, 2006 22:29

Prager's point, as explained in his radio talk shows this week, is not that there should be a legal REQUIREMENT to use a Bible for these ceremonial swearing-in events. Rather, he says it would be wonderful for Ellison to voluntarily acknowledge and honor the historic Judeo-Christian foundations of the U.S. by offering to use both a Koran and a Bible. Prager's larger point is that those Judeo-Christian values celebrate religious freedom rather than religious authoritarianism, and thus have created a unique culture in which a member of a small minority religion, even one under much recent criticism, can successfully run for and be elected to public office. Prager is extremely worried that far too many people in the U.S. have twisted the concept of separation of church and state into a prohibition of any religious reference whatsoever in any governmental context. Ultimately, he fears, without a values system based on religious teachings, the country will spin (or has spun) totally out of control into a rudderless chaos ruled by whatever passion-of-the-day happens to felt by a majority of people. That is why he is so hung-up on the symbolism of using a Bible for such swearing-in ceremonies.

Now, I happen to disagree, and feel there is nothing wrong with Ellison using his Koran, if that is what floats his boat. Given all the recent controversy, it will be important for him to balance that act with heartfelt comments about his support for the historical freedom and religious tolerance in this country that has allowed him to be elected in the first place.

There is no need to demonize Prager, who is a decent guy (even if way too conservative for me), is always thoughtful and respectful, and has never "bashed" any religion, including Islam. He's entitled to his opionion. Hey, I think they call that freedom of speech.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

Keep in mind that the 'religious freedom' written into our Constitution was put there by people who were essentially driven... [MORE]

fluxtatic

Dec 8, 2006 20:34

This is for all to read. When Adolph Hitler was in in charge of Germany, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem... [MORE]

Keith

Dec 7, 2006 19:23

Prager's point, as explained in his radio talk shows this week, is not that there should be a legal REQUIREMENT...

Howard R

Dec 6, 2006 22:29

I agree with CAIR. Dennis Prager should be removed from the Halocaust board. [MORE]

William

Dec 5, 2006 18:38

Mr. Ellison's decision to use the Koran in being sworn in is a total non-starter. Taking an oath on a... [MORE]

J of Hollywood

Dec 5, 2006 17:51

Would an atheist congressperson be required to swear on the Bible, a book that is no more sacred to them... [MORE]

gadfly

Dec 5, 2006 17:44

I would like Prager to swear an oath to the principle that American was founded by people who believe Jesus... [MORE]

John J.

Dec 5, 2006 16:22

I have listened Mr. Prager's show on several occasions. Unlike many talk show hosts, even the conservative ones -- he... [MORE]

Patrick Shange

Dec 5, 2006 15:47

It is CAIR's hypocrisy and duplicity that are at issue. It is truly astonishing that the ADL would allow itself... [MORE]

Lance

Dec 5, 2006 14:31

This is very concerning to me....As an american i am amazed at the thinking of Prager and of some of... [MORE]

Monty Stone

Dec 5, 2006 13:59

Hopefully no American is giving a CRAP what CAIR thinks, says or wants. CAIR should be disbanded. Since 9/11 it... [MORE]

Greg

Dec 5, 2006 13:38

You sound not like an American but like an islamofascist trying to sow discord. Islam is like a Rorschach spot... [MORE]

gadfly

Dec 5, 2006 17:53

Prager is right about the erosion of the basis of society if neither at least the bible or the law... [MORE]

Rob

Dec 5, 2006 13:21

Last time I checked the constitution did not require anyone to take an oath of office except the President and... [MORE]

Todd

Dec 5, 2006 14:13

Maybe Mr. Prager is an expert on the Koran/Quran I know next to nothing about it. It may or may... [MORE]

Tom Haws

Dec 5, 2006 12:13

When you have both the Muslim CAIR and the Jewish ADL comdemning his remarks as intolerant ignorance, don't you think... [MORE]

Ed

Dec 5, 2006 16:03

I agree with Mr. Prager regardng his positon with regard to Mr. Ellison. I am troubled by the fact that... [MORE]

Brenda

Dec 5, 2006 12:10

Nowhere in the Constitution of The United States of America, do I see the phrase "we are a Christian nation".... [MORE]

Steve Pavey

Dec 5, 2006 14:41

Mr. Dennis Prager, Please continue on with your fight for the Bible to be used by Keith Ellison to be sworn... [MORE]

Pamela Dowden

Dec 5, 2006 11:37

I agree, if you love our freedom, you need to support the ban of any book that isn't the Bible... [MORE]

Susan

Dec 5, 2006 13:32

All these fundamentalist religious idiots need to wake up and understand that America is free because we respect others beliefs,... [MORE]

Ms. Rice

Dec 5, 2006 14:01

If our country ever falls, it will be caused from within. I hope all those that voted for this muslim... [MORE]

rick calhoun

Dec 5, 2006 08:16

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