Isn't bigotry usually a little more...subtle?

Perhaps you've heard of Keith Ellison, the representative from Michigan who wishes to be sworn into office using the Koran, since he's Muslim. And chances are good that if you've heard of him, you've also heard about Rep. Virgil Goode from Virginia. Here's an article to set the stage: STORY.

Rep. Goode is apparently offended by Mr. Ellison's preference in religion. He has indicated that the upcoming Koran-swearing is an affront to "American values." He circulated a letter to some of his constituents, making sure his views were known. To his credit, he just lays his point right out there; he doesn't bother to sugar coat his beliefs or pawn it off as something more justifiable (such as the Koran killing his mother and setting fire to his puppies).

The text of Rep. Goode's letter is so fascinating, I will take the liberty of publishing it in its entirety.

Thank you for your recent communication. When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand.

I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way. The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district and if American citizens don't wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran.

We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country.

I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.

The Ten Commandments and "In God We Trust" are on the wall in my office. A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, "As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, The Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office." Thank you again for your email and thoughts.

Sincerely yours,
Virgil H. Goode, Jr.

Source: Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul

In a letter filled with what I consider to be fantastically inappropriate statements (which is notable because the missive is so short), I'm especially drawn to his anecdote about the Muslim student. Instead of explaining why the Koran was not on his wall, he imperiously declares that it never will be, because he's representing his district. I guess his area is Muslim-free? The rest of his letter certainly sounds like he's never had a conversation with a devotee of Islam, and wouldn't ever want to. After all, if he acknowledges them, they may start wanting to use "their" holy book.

He also seems to be on a serious crusade of his own with regards to his plans concerning reduction in illegal and LEGAL immigrants. Strange that he would mention it in the same breath as his future co-worker, considering Mr. Ellison was born in Detroit and is an American citizen. But hey; they all look alike, right? And they're all here to subvert our society, take our jobs, and marry our women.

Is it the 50's and 60's again? Because it sure seems like Rep. Goode is trying to hang a sign on the clubhouse that says "No Brown People." And hastily written at the bottom: "And 'specially no A-rabs."

Don't miss the fact that the copy of the Koran dates from 1765, and was Thomas Jefferson's personal copy, on loan from the Library of Congress. I suppose "TJ" is to blame for all this, since he encouraged people to go around readin' and broadnin' their horizons. Didn't he know it would cause September 11th?

Enough histrionics: believing that the Constitution (which guarantees freedom of religion) can somehow be used to only apply to one specific God (the god of the Bible, not Allah) is such an anti-American thought that I don't have any words to describe it. Instead, I'll leave final words to Thomas Jefferson, from his Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom, written in 1779, (not-coincidentally applying to Rep. Goode's home state):

[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened [sic] in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.