Via WaPo (Va. Lawmaker’s Remarks on Muslims Criticized) we get part of Representative Goode’s response to the criticisms he has received for his letter concerning Representative-elect Ellison:
In his written response, Goode said he will not apologize and does not see why his comments could be offensive to some Muslims. “The voters of each Congressional district select the representative that they choose to represent them, and perhaps voters in all districts will now ask prospective candidates whether they will use the Bible, the Koran, or anything else,” Goode said.
First off, Goode called for greater immigration restrictions based on the “logic” that there would be more Ellisons (i.e., Muslims) elected to Congress without them. That is tantamount to saying the Ellison is the product of foreigners, rather than an American-born politicians elected by Americans (note to Goode: one has to be a citizen to run for Congress as well as to vote). The xenophobia alone is enough to be insulting. Heap on top of that an utter disregard for basic religious freedom and we have quite the two-fer.
Second, this whole swearing in nonsense is the biggest political boogie-man I have seen in some time. Did anyone really care or think about this until the whole Koran thing came up? Of course, more evidence that this issue is one for the fringes: Roy Moore is up in arms about it.
Sphere: Related Content
I read Moore’s column a week or so ago. He’s always good for a laugh because he tries so hard to come across as intelligent and common-sense.
Comment by Dan — Friday, December 22, 2024 @ 1:07 am
Second, this whole swearing in nonsense is the biggest political boogie-man I have seen in some time.
Yes and one would think that a good Christian like Rep. Goode would be against swearing in all of its forms!
Comment by Ratoe — Friday, December 22, 2024 @ 7:36 am
Ellison adroitly fielded Wolf Blitzer’s typical pot-stirring questions {link on C & L} concerning Goode’s and Prager’s nonsense. Ellison presents himself (IMHO) as rational, mainstream and accomodating
Reserved, well spoken, respectful, down-home friendly, open to other’s ideas - is that the image of someone undermining our traditions & culture? From what I’ve seen (2 or 3 interviews), he displays qualities that many would wish in our neighbors, representatives, leaders, role models etc.
If this is the threat that so worries Goode - bring on the immigrants! (and I’m actually for some real control)
One choice quote “… but let’s look at the text that binds us all together - that’s the Constitution, that’s the great document - and I’m looking forward very much to raising my hand and swearing to uphold that Constitution.”
“Uphold that Constitution”… there’s an idea that could really pay dividends if it caught on in Washington.
Maybe the House could catch a clue,
and perhpas then that Constitution thing could become fashionable in the Senate…
and we might eventually even find it force fed to the “unitary Executive.”
But can’t elect those wrong religions - got to get a handle on issues like that first!
Comment by Randy B — Friday, December 22, 2024 @ 9:32 am
Goode is a bigot.
But the more interesting (and disturbing) question is: Does Goode’s bigotry help him or hurt him? I suspect it helps him. And it pains me to say that.
See the “Gates of Vienna” blog.
Comment by LaurenceB — Friday, December 22, 2024 @ 10:56 am
Dood… er… I mean… “Good Doctor”… I’ve just began to explore and appreciate this great blog and your archives.
If there is anything I can ever do to aid you in your quest for “thoughtfulness” and “sanity”, just hollah, my fellow Alabamian.
You’re QUICKLY becoming a “Daily Read” of mine.
Blog the hell ONNN…
GTL -
Comment by Gun Toting Liberal — Saturday, December 23, 2024 @ 2:29 am