I Swear

One day is all it took for me to go against my own policy of not posting about a news entry.  Technically, this is someone else's blog entry, but the message is clear:  Elected officials should have the freedom to affirm their duty to withhold the Constitution however they see fit.

Newly elected Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minn) has chosen to be sworn into office by using the Koran (Qoran?) due to his Muslim beliefs.  Some people are up in arms because he has chosen not to use a Bible.  Why?  What meaning does the Bible have to a Muslim?  As stated on The Huffington Post in reference to the Constitution, a elected member of Congress "shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States".  What that means to me is that as long as the elected official makes an oath to uphold his duties, he's in the clear.  Swearing on the Bible or the Koran is not a requirement, but reinforces the officials dedication to the position by using text that is important to the individual.  I say use whatever book you want.  Use John Grisham's The Firm for all I care.  If the book is important to you, then so be it. 

I have a problem with both the anti-Muslim and the pro-Christianity tint to this story.  While a majority of Americans have beliefs in Judeo-Christian philosophies, the country still has freedom of religion.  Or does that not apply to elected officials?  (No one planned on a Muslim being elected)