Protest against Goodes Comments

We, the 838 congregants of the Islamic Center of Long Island in New York, consider Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode Jr.s statements against Congressman-Elect Keith Ellisons right to use the Quran in the Congressional Swearing-In ceremony to be an affront against the United States Constitution and the principles upon which this country was founded.

By stating that Congressman-Elect Ellison did not have the right to use the Quran, Mr. Goode misunderstands the freedoms allowed by the First Amendment. The First Amendment of the US Constitution says, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof Supreme Court cases, legislative and executive acts have ensured that the United States Government has never formally supported one religion over another. To deride Congressman-Elect Ellisons usage of the Quran when Christians use the Bible and Jews use the Torah for the swearing-in ceremonies indicates Mr. Goodes lack of respect for the principle of freedom of religion that the British Quakers sought when they first came to America in the 17th Century.

In fact, Mr. Goode also demonstrates an appalling ignorance of American history in general by attacking Congressman-Elect Ellison as representative of the immigrants that America should keep outside its borders. Aside from the Native Americans and the Eskimos, every other person currently residing in the United States is an immigrant or a descendant of immigrants. Congressman-Elect Ellison is a native-born African-American who can trace his ancestors to Louisiana back to 1742. Mr. Goode should remember that he came from immigrant stock, and that America has built itself on the backs of immigrants from all over the world.

Unfortunately, Mr. Goodes statements will continue to cause harm unless the White House and other sitting, elected representatives speak out clearly against his comments. It is a disappointment that President Bush did not clearly condemn Mr. Goodes remarks, especially as the American leadership should always do what is right, versus what sounds right to one political party faction or another.

We are therefore appreciative of those elected officials who have have been courageous enough to protect the rights of all Americans not just certain people who fit Mr. Goodes profile of a real American. Senator Robert Menendez (D- NJ) has said Congressman Virgil H. Goodes statement against Congressman-Elect Keith Ellison is an attack on the sanctity of religious freedom that all Americans are guaranteed under the Constitution. Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) added the seven million Muslim Americans living in the U.S are an integral part of American societybringing more Muslim-Americans into the political process is a goal, not something to be avoided. Further, Rep. Pascrell (D-NJ) stated that promoting a fear and disrespect of Muslims is not only wrongheaded, but it is reckless.

We now urge you to echo the sentiments of your colleagues and act to protect the freedoms and rights that all Americans hold dear. We request that you support the United States Constitution and condemn Mr. Goodes remarks as being what they are - Un-American.