Response to Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-natch), from Tom Joad

[babylonsister]

Tom Joad TEXT ONLY: I'll make you a deal Representative Pompeo - when Christian evangelist and missionary Franklin Graham publicly apologizes for the senseless slaughter of 168 souls and the wounding of an additional 800 by "Christian" Timothy McVeigh, I'll take your argument about the 'silence of the Imams' seriously. Since Tim was Catholic, maybe we need an audience with the Pope.

There is no "special obligation {that} falls on those that are the leaders" of the Islamic faith - because the people committing these acts of terror are every bit as crazy as that Lutheran, James Holmes, who killed 12 and wounded 58 in Aurora, Colorado. Where was your specific outrage over the "silence" of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America back then?

You then go on to say " … silence has made these Islamic leaders across America potentially complicit in these acts, and more importantly still, in those that may well follow." You, sir, are delusional. The word "complicit" means: "involved with others in reprehensible or illegal activity." "Involved," Mike - as in taking an active part in the atrocities. You're talking about men of faith who spend their days worshipping their God and leading others to seek peace. May Allah have mercy on your soul.

I know, I know - you're going to argue that James, Tim, Jared Loughner and Adam Lanza weren't shouting "Jesus Saves!" as they murdered Americans - but a terrorist's twisted interpretation of the holy Koran has as much to do with Islam as does Adam Lanza genuflecting and accepting holy communion before slinging an AR-15 over his shoulder and shooting his way into an elementary classroom. Crazy is crazy, Representative - no matter what words you use to justify it.

"Modern Imams must strive to ensure that no Muslim finds solace for terrorism in the Quran." Most of them already have, Mike - and if you don't know that, I'm guessing it's because you don't read much beyond that which provides confirmation bias for your inherent bigotry. I'd love it if you could offer a different reason for that senseless babble on the House floor, but I don't think you can. Imams have and continue to speak out against terrorism.

"They must cite the Quran as evidence that the murder of innocents is not permitted by good, believing Muslims, and must immediately refute all claims to the contrary." And you must see to it that Pope Francis fires the parish priest that counseled Adam Lanza before he shredded those children at Sandy Hook Elementary with hollow point bullets. Deal?

Look, I know it's all the rage on the right to try and out-crazy your fellow congress members, but this religiously-targeted screed offended (conservatively) three to four million Americans. Tack on another 50 million or so progressive and tolerant citizens who understand the difference between terrorists and Muslims - and that's probably a conservative estimate. Think before you speak, Mike. And leave your religious biases at the chamber door next time.

You're welcome.

[Laelth]

1. k&r for a righteous rant. n/t

-Laelth