In (Insert Higher Being of Choice) We Trust

I seem to recall learning in my American history and civics classes that we operate under the premise that affairs of church and state are separate. The local archbishop can't tell the mayor how to run the city and the mayor can't tell the archbishop how to lead his flock. I remember learning that one of the main reasons the Pilgrims high tailed it out of England and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the New World was to escape religious persecution so they could live under the faith of their choice.

With all of that said, why are some folks so upset that a man recently elected to serve in U. S. House of Representatives who claims Islam as his faith would like to be sworn in to his new position using the book of his faith, the Koran, instead of the book of Christianity, the Holy Bible? If America is truly the land of opportunity and the melting pot of the world, a place where people truly have the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness without fear of persecution for things like race or religion, why is Congressman-elect Keith Ellison's choice an issue?

The people of Minnesota's 5th District have made Ellison the first Muslim ever elected to Congress. Obviously, they believe in the man, not because of his religion, but because they think he has the ability to get things done in Washington, DC to benefit them and the rest of the nation. Why does it matter whether he, or any other elected official, swears to do their job and do it to the best of their ability on the Bible, the Koran, or the Betty Crocker Cookbook? Whether he ends his oath with "so help me God," or "so help me Allah," or "so help me Betty" matters not to me. What matters is him delivering on his promise to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America." Worship who you want. Draw strength from whatever higher power you choose. Just keep my country safe for all who call themselves citizens.

If Congressman-elect Ellison wants to swear his oath on the Koran, more power to him. I applaud his willingness to serve in our political system. Think about it. Wouldn't you rather have him swear on the Koran and truly believe that he is bound to do right, than to swear on a book representing a faith that he doesn't hold and feel like his oath is worthless and not something he has to live up to? Yes, America's money says "In God We Trust," but I don't necessarily think everybody has to swear to America's god in order to serve the country.

Mr. Ellison, good luck on Capitol Hill. Take your oath the way you want to take it. Swear to do your level best to the higher being that you freely worship and then get at the business of protecting my right and everyone else's right to do the same.

Oh, Good Evening!