There is a major brouhaha in the news world and the Blogosphere over talk show radio host and Townhall.com columnist Dennis Prager’s initial article criticizing newly elected Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison (D), the first Muslim to become a member of the House of Representatives, for the widely reported statement that he would be taking his oath of office on the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, instead of the Christian Bible — a statement that Ellison did not deny and did not respond to until weeks later after an avalanche of negative response directed at Ellison’s office evidently had some effect. This response was largely due to Dennis’ efforts to get the American public involved about an act that he believes “will be doing more damage to the unity of America and to the value system that has formed this country than the terrorists of 9-11.”

In that first article Dennis lays out his arguments supporting such a strong statement, however he does NOT denigrate the Qur’an, nor does he denigrate Islam — however he is extremely concerned by any action or event that would support the goals of those radical Islamists that wish to eventually make the United States a Muslim country, ruled under Islamic law. I most certainly share that concern.

The level of hate and vitriol over his opinion is stunning, and growing. Why would I be surprised? Fueled by either a wholesale misunderstanding of Prager’s meaning, a contempt for his intent, or just another venue of Dhimmitude — take your pick — the backlash needs to be answered, and then the initial issue needs to be examined with a clear eye, and discussed like adults, not with playground taunts and accusations. I recommend that you go to this Liberty News Forum thread and read it all, doesn’t take all that long. It is a capsulized version of the controversy with the anti-Prager side finally melting down into blather, after the initial proclamation of Dennis Lies!, Dennis Lies! is thoroughly debunked. Then, another hater takes the thread in a different direction, acknowledging that what Dennis had said was accurately based upon those widely reported MSM news articles, but that his response to those articles should be considered as hate rhetoric and Islamophobia. Anyone who is even remotely acquainted with the opinions and written works of Dennis Prager knows that is total BS.

I’ve listened to Dennis’ radio shows for over 15 years and have read several of his books — Dennis Prager has a good heart — Dennis Prager is constantly searching for the truth, and “clarity” about everything. Dennis Prager does not lie, does not usually try to persuade — on the most basic level, he tries to make you understand the meanings behind an issue or a story, who and what entities are supporting the various sides, what is at stake depending upon which side wins, and then lets the chips fall — you make your own decision and live with it. On this particular issue he is expending an incredible amount of personal capital, more so than any issue I’ve seen him tackle since the Baby Richard Case. That indicates that he sees a great danger to our culture, our way of life, in the simple act of a ceremonial swearing in on the Qur’an while simultaneously excising the presence of the Christian Bible — In the casting aside of a long-long standing American tradition.

But “Whoa!” whines the Left and the Prager haters — “What about separation of church and state?” And then there is this one, “Who cares? Don’t we want these guys to swear on a book that they feel is holy writ, not someone else’s holy book?”

That’s. Not. The. Point.

Dennis has said repeatedly, and I just heard him say again on his radio show, that if Ellison would only have a Bible as well as a Qur’an with him during his ceremonial swearing in — I KNOW THAT THEY DON’T USE ANY BOOKS AT THE OFFICIAL HOUSE CEREMONY! — this would be for him a non-issue, as the proper respect would be shown to the history of American culture and the presence of the Qur’an wouldn’t have the negative meaning that it will if the Bible is excluded.

And yeah, I know that many conservatives are on the opposite side of this issue and are publicly calling Dennis out — making him a lonely, but very loud and widely heard, voice in an increasingly hostile wilderness. But, those on the Right that are lining up on the anti-Prager side are arguing that Ellison should have the right to have the Qur’an there if he wishes — And Dennis Prager agrees with them about that! As long as a Bible is there, also.

This is not a rights issue, it is a culture war issue. It is a mini-step down one of those gnarly-slippery slopes. You say, “Let’s forgive and forget — who cares? — it’s just a ceremonial deal after all. It. Doesn’t. Mean. Anything.”

Really? If that’s the case Mr. Ellison — why not have the Bible there, too? Why not have both holy books there as a statement that you believe that Islam and America can peacefully coexist?

Mr. Ellison — Can America and Islam peacefully coexist? That’s the question that I want answered . . . (db)

Technorati Tags: Dennis Prager, Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison, Qur’an, Koran, Holy Bible, American Culture

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 at 1:06 pm and is filed under A Post 9/11 World, Politics & Religion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.  |   Print This Post  |   Email This Post

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