why would anyone have a problem with our being informed and warned about shariah law?

Because the politics of fear undermines this country more than "sharia law" ever will.

The Constitution already says who makes the law, and unless Mohammed is elected to the Legislative Branch of our government, Sharia Law has no application in the American legal code. Apparently, some people aren't even informed about Constitutional Law, since the Constitution already says what the law of this land is.

The constitution also says that our money is to be a specific weight of gold or silver. Our illegal Federal Reserves Notes are a perfect example of how a select group of individuals can have a very major impact on all of our lives, constitution or not.

The study, which said that 82 percent of the mosques’ imams recommended texts that promote violence, has drawn sharp rebuke from Muslim leaders, who question its premise and findings.

Yeah, there is no problem with mosques in America....

Why did MSNBC bury this story already???

Do you know what Sharia law is?

Islamic Sharia Law in Brief

This is a very good article written by a FORMER muslim.

http://www.islam-watch.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=625:islamic-sharia-law-in-brief&catid=79:mirza&Itemid=58

Many hypocritical western residing Islamists are trying relentlessly to soft-sell Islam through their speeches and write-ups and so called “interfaith nonsense” only to fool the westerners. Using cynicism and soothsaying techniques, they are trying hard to convince the westerners that Islam is democratic, Islam is tolerant of other faiths

Some common laws of “Islamic Sharia” which are regularly practiced in the Islamically ruled (Sharia-based) nations with some minor variations:

1- Jihad defined as “to war against all non-Muslims to establish the religion” is the duty of every Muslim and Muslim head of state (Caliph). Muslim Caliphs who refuse jihad are in violation of Sharia and unfit to rule.

4- A percentage of Zakat (alms) must go towards jihad.

8- A Muslim who leaves Islam (apostate) must be killed immediately.

9- A Muslim will be forgiven for murder of : a) an apostasy b) an adulterer c) a highway robber. Making vigilante street justice and honor killing acceptable.

10- A Muslim will not get the death penalty if he kills a non-Muslim.

11- Sharia never abolished slavery and sexual slavery and highly regulates it. A master will not be punished for killing his slave. Slavery still exists amongst Arab Muslims.

12- Sharia dictates death by stoning, beheading, for sins like killing, adultery, prostitutions; and other Quranic corporal punishments like: amputation of limbs (chopping hands and feet), floggings, beatings and other forms of cruel and unusual punishments even for the sins like: stealing, sexual promiscuity, robbery, burglary etc.

13- Non-Muslims are not equal to Muslims and must comply to Sharia (pay Zizzya: poll tax) if they are to remain safe.

16- Banks must be Sharia compliant and interest is not allowed.

19- Homosexuality is punishable by death.

20- There is no age limit for marriage of girls under Sharia. The marriage contract can take place anytime after birth and consummated at age 8 or 9.

21- Rebelliousness on the part of the wife nullifies the husband’s obligation to support her, gives him permission to beat her and keep her from leaving the home.

33-It is obligatory for a Muslim to lie if the purpose is obligatory and is known as Taqiyya (Islamic Deception). That means that for the sake of abiding with Islam’s commandments, such as jihad, a Muslim is obliged to lie and should not have any feelings of guilt or shame associated with this kind of lying.

Caution! Islam permits devout Muslims to lie, cheat, and deliberately bluff non-muslims to protect or promote his religion of Islam, anytime, anywhere. And this tactic is know as “Islamic Taqiyya” (read: Islamic deception), and was originally used by the Prophet of Islam to fool, and later subjugate and destroy enemies of Islam.

Your tax dollars are going to establish Shariah Law! ''

As reported last Wednesday by the Thomas More Law Center,

“Last week, Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff, a federal district court judge in Michigan, dismissed a constitutional challenge to the U.S. Government‘s bailout of AIG [American International Group], which used over a hundred million dollars in federal tax money to support Islamic religious indoctrination through the funding and promotion of Sharia-compliant financing (SCF). SCF is financing that follows the dictates of Islamic law. OVER 100 MILLION$$$ TO ''support Islamic religous indoctrination''!!!!

Homosexuality is illegal in most countries in Africa, where sodomy laws were introduced during colonialism. In Uganda, homosexual acts are punishable by 14 years to life in prison, according to rights activists. Uganda is 84% Christian.

so please explain why the liberals embrace tolerance for homosexuality at the same time embracing tolerance for muslims and sharia law. They clearly contradict each other. No man can serve 2 masters...he is loyal to one!

Legitimate question...

If allah is so great...why are the muslim countries so destitute? Why doesnt he save his people? They pray to him 5 times a day...yet prayers are not answered.

Allah does not exist except as the moon god '' I found this interesting msnbc:

''Ramadan begins around 11 days earlier each year. Its start is calculated based on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Muslim lunar month that varies between 29 or 30 days.''FedupwithFed I believe they are poor and backwards because of their religion. I am very much a libertarian when it come to religion and cultural values, but this thing called Islam is hard to ignore.

The Constitution might theoretically endorse the separation of state and religion. In reality, that is not what is happening. If religion and state were separate, no court would be able to rule that a man is entitled to rape his wife merely because "the defendant lacked criminal intent because he believed that his wife must comply, under Islamic law, with his demand for sex". There are laws against rape in this country. Those laws can not be altered to accommodate one's religious beliefs. Period. Yes, the ruling was overturned, but it never should have happened in the first place if the court were abiding by the Constitution.

You might find this interesting then PeaceLover - Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox.

freedman1 great thanks. Do you think Allah exists? and if so why?

If allah is so great...why are the muslim countries so destitute?

fedup don't you know????? all the problems of the "muslim world" are the fault of the great satan america and their evil jew owners. don't you pay attention. any ignorant infidel that criticizes islam is evil. islam is a "religion" of peace love and tolerance and any ignorant infidel that doesn't agree with that is evil and is being brainwashed by the demonic jews

If allah is so great...why are the muslim countries so destitute? Why doesnt he save his people?

FedupwithFed - because allah is a mythical being just like any god. Why would any kind and benevolent god cause his/her people to suffer if he or she truly existed?

FedUp - You may not have done your homework. Here is a list of the poorest 5 countries in the world:

5) Eritrea - 60% christian
4) Zimbabwe - 70% christian
3) Burundi - 67% christian
4) Liberia - 85% christian
5) Democratic Republic of the Congo - 96% christian

Legitimate question - Do you notice anything in common?

link please....

Then why arent we bailing those countries out instead of the middle east?

If you take "Mein Kampf", replace "Aryan" with "Muslim" and "Jew" with "Infidel", you'll get the Quran, maybe not the same word-for-word but no different in the spirit.

Weak-minded people exist all over. And those who take advantage of them know it too well. Replace the word 'jew' with 'muslim', and the following speech works pretty good.
---------
"My feelings as a Christian points me to my Lord and Savior as a fighter. It points me to the man who once in loneliness, surrounded by a few followers, recognized these Jews for what they were and summoned men to fight against them and who, God's truth! was greatest not as a sufferer but as a fighter. In boundless love as a Christian and as a man I read through the passage which tells us how the Lord at last rose in His might and seized the scourge to drive out of the Temple the brood of vipers and adders. How terrific was His fight for the world against the Jewish poison. To-day, after two thousand years, with deepest emotion I recognize more profoundly than ever before the fact that it was for this that He had to shed His blood upon the Cross. As a Christian I have no duty to allow myself to be cheated, but I have the duty to be a fighter for truth and justice... And if there is anything which could demonstrate that we are acting rightly it is the distress that daily grows. For as a Christian I have also a duty to my own people." - Adolf Hitler, in a speech on April 12, 1922

Religions - all religions - must be made to keep to themselves. If their members want to believe in them, fine but you cannot allow a religions preferences and dictates to end up codified into law, when you do you end up with the type of travesty and vicious battle that has been going on re abortion in this country.

The Catholic Church and those who belong to it are perfectly entitled to believe what they want about "when an embryo is a human being" - despite the fact it can't be proven scientifically by them or anyone. Yet they would have us return to the butcher period where women were dying having abortions in back rooms - simply because they believe it shouldn't be allowed.

Well, same thing with Shariah Law. Let those who think its fine and dandy live their lives according to it, but when you commit a crime in the United States you are subject to the laws of the United States. Any efforts to suggest that the courts "respect" and utilize Shariah Law in their decisions is utterly absurd.

Keep the religions separate from the government; otherwise you will end up with a capricious, nonsensical and dangerous miscarriage of both government and justice.

Answer:

The denial of the 1st Amendment that NO faith is to be instituted by law and so lead to the never ending effort to create a Christian Theocracy in America.

"Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst." [Thomas Paine]

It is all grandstanding by politicians; any Judge that would even mention Sharia, Cannon ,or any other legal code in deciding a case first would be reversed, second that States Judicial council would move for his /her removal from the bench.

"More than two dozen states have considered measures to restrict judges from consulting Islamic law, or foreign and religious laws more generally " ( From the article)

Our courts don't follow Hasidic Law, nor do they follow Mormon Law nor do they follow Old Order Amish Law. Why should Sharia be any exception?

In theory, no other laws besides the "laws of the land" passed by duly elected representativews of the people are to be followed under our system of government.

Hitler was no more a Christian than Mohammad was. Read his further/later writings. He systematically silenced all those religious clerics who opposed his "vision" of a "3rd. Reich." Dietrich Bonhoffer was one of the most famous. He died in a concentration camp close to the end of the war.

BTW, the word, "Islam' means "submission."

Let's home these clowns never find out that all American law is based on British law, it would be anarchy!

bevis - Muslim is the Arabic term for "one who submits to God".

Islam is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root s-l-m which forms a large class of words mostly relating to concepts of wholeness, completion and bonding/joining. In a religious context it means "voluntary submission to God".

The Greek word christianos—meaning "follower of Christ" - comes from christos—meaning "anointed one"—with an adjectival ending borrowed from Latin to denote adhering to, or even belonging to, as in slave ownership.

American Muslims practice Sharia just like all the Catholics follow all the laws of the Vatican.lol We all know they do not. People say they are Catholic or Christian and practice nothing to the tee, same as a majority of Muslims. Our judges do not have a Koran by their side for reference,lol. This guy is just bring prejudice,and making a problem where there is none.

The ones who go strictly by the Koran or Hadiths,are extremist,not your average everyday Muslim. The Muslims I know are more worried about their bills,and family more than a takeover of the world.lol Some of you are being taken in by the fear mongerer this man has made himself out to be.

David Yerushalmi, a 56-year-old Hasidic Jew with a history of controversial statements about race, immigration and Islam.

This man is living in fear,and is using popular (wrong) opinion against the culture of Islam. Go up to three Muslims today,and ask them how the takepver of the world and instituting Sharia is going. The look you will get will drive my point. Most Muslims do not want Sharia,use your heads people.

link please...

Then why arent we bailing those countries out instead of the middle east?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28nominal%29_per_capita

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita

Religion demographics:

Congo

Liberia

Burundi

Zimbabwe

Eritrea

Legitimate question - Do you notice anything in common?

Pretty sure they're all African countries that were colonies at one point.

Western Muslims need reformation that allows them to co-exist in this society if this is where they choose to start a new life.

No they need to co-exist somewhere else. If I have to fight them on MY SOIL. I will also be fighting the LIBERALS that allowed their laws to be followed.

We had to fight the communists in VietNam so that we wouldn't have to fight them here. Remember?

VietNam became communist. Now we are selling them nuclear reactors, and they make tires and underwear for us.

For this - 56,000 Americans lost their lives.

-----------------

"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again." - George W. Bush

Shariah law and Christian law are already illegal, it is called the 1st Amendment.

This Liberal will fight those who try change it....

Shariah as one of the greatest threats to American freedom since the cold war.

People think that this may not be true but, lets see,

We have managed to remove prayer from schools, government agencies and or government payed for /funded activities, the 10 commandments from a court building rotunda, people trying to remove the word God from our money. So if a minority of thinkers have been able to do this or are still trying to do this, what makes you think for a moment thatIslamic believers can't pull of the same thing and get or try to get their laws incorporated into our present laws ? I feel it is a threat to us

@ Marqui; The answer is simple even the losers of the atrocities in Africa do not want us there.

Sharia is practiced in these badlands because there is no other form of law(and the govt can not be trusted),not because the people are in favor of Sharia. Not many women are in favor of Sharia,trust me.

Yerushalmi knows that most would break away from Sharia law if they could,not long for it or try to institute it. He needs a platform,his inability to push positives,has led to his incitement of a fear,and he is preying on the ignorance of others to promote himself.

The only Muslims that have goals to of Islam taking over the world are radicals, and Islamist .

NIght Hawk - typically changes occur incrementally - creeping in.

Which particular shariah threat do you see as having the largest likelihood of becoming implemented?

Nighthawk asked;

what makes you think for a moment thatIslamic believers can't pull of the same thing and get or try to get their laws incorporated into our present laws ? I

Something called the Constitution. The first amendment to the Constitution states that we WILL NOT respect ANY RELIGION, that includes the Muslim religion, AS FAR AS MAKING LAWS. What you are talking about are laws that were made to PREVENT making an exeption to Christianity. Not respecting any religion in the Constitution includes Christianity as well as Islam.

We have managed to remove prayer from schools, government agencies and or government payed for /funded activities, the 10 commandments from a court building rotunda, people trying to remove the word God from our money.

The above is happening because Christian law violates the 1st Amendment, just as Shariah law violates the 1st Amendment.

If you must ask me which part I feel ( I said I) then there is no sence in even trying to explain to you what part.

Mike

I agree with you completely, and that helps me in my position. That they can beable to incorporate part of their laws into our legal system.

If any of you want to live under sharia or other countries' laws, I suggest you move to those countries. Here in America our constitutions and laws govern this the land. Any jurists that aren't ruling based on OUR laws should be immediately disbarred.

There is a trial happening in Texas, Warren Jeffs, accused of polygamy and statutory rape. An offshoot of the Mormon religion, the FLDS, with Jeffs as its spiritiual leader. Jeff's defense is that his religion requires that they practice polygamy and that they are allowed to have intercourse with girls as young as twelve and thirteen in what is deemed a 'celestial marriage."

There is little difference between his belief system and Islam which allows for multiple wives and intercourse with very young girls. The prophet married Ayisha when she was six and had intercourse with her when she was nine. There is a danger of allowing extremists religious beliefs and practices to become defensible against the common rule of law. There are no exceptions, rape is rape, sex with children, polygamy, and a host of other 'religious' practices involve the abuse of innocents and the helpless.

Sharia law, as stated in the Koran, is anathema to the Constitution. Those who believe otherwise would do well to look to predominantly Muslim countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Indonesia. The intolerance there is remarkable. This country was founded on the precepts of freedom from religious indoctrination, and that includes all restrictive and abusive religions. This is the twenty first century, should practitioners of these oppressive religions desire the freedom to practice their abusive aspects of their religion they are advised to seek another country in which to do so.

mygirl - Apparently you feel as if polygamy is on the verge of being instituted because of Warren Jeffs?

Night Hawk

I guess you do have a point, religious law has slipped into our Country, there is DOMA, DADT, "under God" in the pledge of Allegiance, and "in God We Trust" in our Money, prayer in schools, etc. Proponents of Shariah law can use these kind of examples for slipping in their parts of their law in the Court of Law.

Like I wrote before, Shariah law and Christian law are in violation of the 1st Amendment.

This is one reason the ACLU is so important...to remove Christian law from our Country and not to let Shariah law to slip in...

"Jeff's defense is that his religion requires that they practice polygamy"

Here's the thing. Your attorney can use ANY defense he or she can dream up. That doesn't mean it will be successful.

There is room for only one system of laws and justice in this country and that is the system that has been in place since this nations founding. If Muslims cannot accept this, they should consider returning to whatever craphole they immigrated from.

They will, however, not leave because it is their goal to immigrate to a country and convert it into an Islamic state, no matter how long it takes. That is what’s happening right now, to varying degrees, in many countries in Europe.

By now, I’m certain that most of us has heard the news out of England where some radical Imam has ordered posters put up claiming several sections of London to be Sharia law zones and prohibiting such activities as smoking, drinking, gambling, playing of music among others. He also stated he has thousands of Muslim volunteers that will patrol the streets enforcing these prohibitions. The English certainly have their problems now. Are we next?

The scariest person in America is a progressive gay female Muslim communist who supports clean air laws and a woman's right to an abortion. Be afraid... be very afraid!
hehe...

Vincenzo, this may come as a shock to you, but the First Amendment already bans Sharia. I know! Imagine my surprise...

Are we next?

No we aren't, we have the 1st Amendment...

freedman: apparently you have difficulty with reading comprehension.

A confluence of factors has fueled the anti-Shariah movement, most notably the controversy over the proposed Islamic center near ground zero in New York, concerns about homegrown terrorism and the rise of the Tea Party.

Pretty much sums up the problem, doesn't it?

We're scared just to be scared... fixing problems that aren't problems... wasting time we don't have... focusing on the exact WRONG things... fearing things we should not be afraid of... and crucifying people that don't deserve it.

If we took 5 seconds to put our feet in other's shoes or had half a thought on what might actually be a real solution, we would do more "seek to understand" rather than "condemn because of the differences"... a real sorry state of affairs... not at all the place I though I grew up in.

But Toasty is it not fun talking about it?

Mike

Once again I agree with you. I just like the idea that there are some folks out there making sure everyone is playing by the same rules...the 1 st amendment

Mikebank 1.47

Are we next?

I'm reasonably certain the British have some laws prohibiting carving out sections of London and imposing religious law but that doesn't seem to be any deterrence to this Imam. Do you seriously think these Islamic radicals care one bit about our laws, except when it's convenient to them?

Well of course it's fun to talk about. But the fact remains that Sharia law is already banned.

Alright buddy gotta go, peace.

Toasty McGrath

Imagine the radical right imposing a Christian theocratic regime. It would be Sharia Law just... with another God! Allah or Yahweh either way women would be relegated to being nothing more then property, gay men and women would be rounded up and gassed, Jews, Buddhist, Agnostics and atheists would be officially and legally second class citizenship, etc. Now here is the rub, what would define being a Christian, who would be Christian enough? Honestly, I think they would send Mormons and Catholics to the camps first and long before Homosexuals and other members of the opposition! Jesus save me from your followers!

@ Lmarc; Well said, here,here.

There are Radical Christian, anti abortionist whom try to push there agenda,communists,socialists,etc, just as there are those that try to implement Sharia,into a democracy.( This will never change) May be their right to try,but they are fighting a losing battle trying to repress others,which Sharia is very repressive. Our system is set up to deflect repression,not advance it.

So no worries, Islamic law will not take us over.

It's amazing how you mention sharia/islam/muslim and the bigots just come pouring out of the wood work, rofl. For people who claim to be such huge patriots they have absolutely no idea about the workings of the government and our legislature.

What's not amazing, nor surprising, is how the frightened bigots in our country first attempt to wrap their prejudice, ignorance, and small-mindedness in the flag and call it patriotism. And it's also not surprising that it's always the same portion of the 'mericun population that jumps on the huge racist band wagon anytime they think a people different from them is gaining any foothold in the US.

It's amazing how you mention sharia/islam/muslim and the bigots just come pouring out of the wood work, rofl.

And your observation still does not change the fact of the incompatibility of Sharia Law with human and civil rights, gender equality, etc.

Tangential comments regarding bigotry are easy, recognizing the problems of Islam are a bit more difficult?

Wet Willy

What do think they will do? Commit violent acts against our Country? They have already done that, which is against the law...

As I wrote before here... Shariah law and Christian law are in violation of the 1st Amendment...

mikebank 1.59

But our system of laws is based on Judeo-Christian principles. They always have been.

What always cracks me up, is that people think Islam is new. "Oh they're gonna try to convert us, and yada, yada, yada." Really? Why start now, considering THEY'VE BEEN HERE AS LONG AS CHRISTIANS HAVE! I mean, Muslims really are the fear du jour. Anyone who truly feels threatened by this, seriously needs to shut off the Fox News and talk radio, because you are being fed 100%, pure, grade A, B.S. We've coexisted in this country since it began, the only religion that has wormed its way into our laws is Christianity.

And your observation still does not change the fact of the incompatibility of Sharia Law with human and civil rights, gender equality, etc.

And your observation still doesn't change the fact that sharia law is not being used to circumvent the US criminal laws. It is only being used as an option for third party arbitration that, to be legally binding, both parties must agree to. Smoke and Mirrors, do not an argument make.

a ha ha shariah law in the USA? ''PATRIOTS,U.S. Congressman Sandy Adams (R-FL), along with 54 co-sponsors---all Republican, has introduced H.R. 973. The House Committee on the Judiciary referred the legislation to the House Subcommittee on the U.S. Constitution. Americans must get behind this bill our U.S. judicial system is at stake here.

Shortly, Shariah Law may be accepted in YOUR courtroom. Already, several U.S. towns have accepted the use of Shariah Law in their courts! This is outrageous. There are 19 lawsuits that were filed in 12 states to assert Shariah Law into our U.S. Court system!''teaparty.org................................. knowledge is power and therefore it is important for the american people to be informed about Islam and shariah law!

What I don't get here is how a US court could possibly accept or make judgement under any law not made by a legislative body that was not created under the US Constitution?

Surely any judgment made on the basis of an unconstitutional law would be reversed on appeal?

Why dont you ask Keith Ellison? Its OK for him to cry...

http://infidelsarecool.com/2011/03/keith-ellisons-crocodile-tears-reveal-his-true-muslim-bias/

Tax dollars used to build mosques! American Family Assoc.

''US taxpayer dollars are being given away to help rebuild Islamic mosques overseas. According to the Associated Press, the Obama administration will give away nearly $6 million of American tax dollars to restore 63 historic and cultural sites, including Islamic mosques and minarets, in 55 nations. See the State Department document here.''

Damn we are broke and Obama is building Mosques!

People that are susceptible to - and who in turn promote - fear mongering are simply charlatans and false prophets. Those who appeal to base instincts rather than love. They prey upon the weak-minded and the illiterate. They are the Jim Jones preachers of this world, attempting to persuade others to come to their own version of the People's Temple. Inside, adherents meet misery and death.

"I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" ~ Jesus

After the "Christian" right wingers destroy the Islamic religion in the US, who will they turn on next? Catholics? Buddists? Who?

If Muslims hate our ways, then why are they here in the first place?

guenavere - They are here because their religion has ordered them to dominate the world. As demonstrated by the father who killed his daughter for becoming too Westernized, they are also here to enjoy the freedoms that this country has to offer while expecting to retain those mores and practices of their homeland that they want to retain. In other words, they expect us to bend our customs and laws to match theirs rather than accepting the fact that they chose to come to a new country and therefore, should blend into the society that is already established.

George Orwell's Animal Farm was required reading when I was in high school during the Cold War. It should still be required reading today. It is essentially a retelling of the Trojan Horse. Rather than conquering a country by outright war, the enemy conquers from within.

"Damn we are broke and Obama is building Mosques!"

I call BS here. This Ambassador's Fund has been supplying grant money to various sites around the world to rescue sites of historical significance since 2000, and suddenly OBAMA is "building mosques"? Where's your outrage about this money being spent for the PAST 11 years?

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/07/145109.htm

"Already, several U.S. towns have accepted the use of Shariah Law in their courts!"

False, especially if you're talking about Dearborn MI. http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2011/may/14/leo-berman/state-rep-leo-berman-says-judges-dearborn-michigan/

"This country was founded on Christianity" No, this country was founded on freedom of religion, ALL religion.

DrDrGimmetheNews Like I said we are broke and Obama is spending tax dollars on mosques according to the state dept.See the State Department document here.'' This is not me saying this it is Hillary Clinton and her people. Try to blame Bush, Obama has been for three years!

Tell me this, just what is the Defense of Marriage act if not an attempt to pass religious law off as civil law??? Sharia law is nothing but a red herring.

Many have the nerve to compare shariah law to the TEA PARTY?

really can't believe that some on here are really trying to link shariah law with the {TEA PARTY} Really?

{THE TEA PARTY MANIFESTO} BY "The Tea Party Patriots'.........1. Protect the Constitution

Require each bill to identify the specific provision of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do what the bill does. (82.03%)

2. Reject Cap & Trade

Stop costly new regulations that would increase unemployment, raise consumer prices, and weaken the nation's global competitiveness with virtually no impact on global temperatures. (72.20%)

3. Demand a Balanced Budget

Begin the Constitutional amendment process to require a balanced budget with a two-thirds majority needed for any tax hike. (69.69%)

4. Enact Fundamental Tax Reform

Adopt a simple and fair single-rate tax system by scrapping the internal revenue code and replacing it with one that is no longer than 4,543 words — the length of the original Constitution. (64.90%)

5. Restore Fiscal Responsibility & Constitutionally Limited Government in Washington

Create a Blue Ribbon taskforce that engages in a complete audit of federal agencies and programs, assessing their Constitutionality, and identifying duplication, waste, ineffectiveness, and agencies and programs better left for the states or local authorities, or ripe for wholesale reform or elimination due to our efforts to restore limited government consistent with the US Constitution's meaning. (63.37%)

6. End Runaway Government Spending

Impose a statutory cap limiting the annual growth in total federal spending to the sum of the inflation rate plus the percentage of population growth. (56.57%)

7. Defund, Repeal, & Replace Government-run Health Care

Defund, repeal and replace the recently passed government-run health care with a system that actually makes health care and insurance more affordable by enabling a competitive, open, and transparent free-market health care and health insurance system that isn't restricted by state boundaries. (56.39%)

8. Pass an All-of-the-Above Energy Policy

Authorize the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries and reduce regulatory barriers to all other forms of energy creation, lowering prices and creating competition and jobs. (55.51%)

9. Stop the Pork

Place a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget is balanced, and then require a 2/3 majority to pass any earmark. (55.47%)

10. Stop the Tax Hikes

Permanently repeal all tax hikes, including those to the income, capital gains, and death taxes, currently scheduled to begin in 2011......................................... THIS IS NOT RADICAL or violent! This is about america and the people that love this great country. nothing about religion?

There is a video of a news report by WSB-TV in Atlanta that reports on how American taxpayer money is being spent to refurbish mosques in the Middle East. Try Goggling "mosques makeovers with your tax dollars" if the following address is automatically deleted.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25762604/detail.html

It doesn't matter who started this practice or when. This country is in dire economic trouble. We don't need to be doing this. We need to be tending to people in our own country. Obama and Congress have the power to stop this spending if they choose to do so.

Thanks for the link Obama is using stimulas $$$$ for muslim jobs in the middle east!

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25762604/detail.html BUILDING MOSQUES WITH OUR TAX $$$$$ABCzyx POST#2.15 -..............

DrDrGimmetheNews WHAT?

Those who wish to impose the tenants of the Bible through the law are a far larger threat to me and my rights than any other group.

"Peacelover"

I actually READ that link you posted. Somewhat disingenuous of you to imply that almost $6 million is going toward Mosques I must say. You either didn't read it ... or you expected us to just go on your word.

First, the document is the U.S. AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION 2010 AWARDS. It is just that -- cultural preservation and it ranges from the religious to dance to bakeries!

Let's look at it a little more closely, shall we? There are 63 items on that list. Of that 63, FIVE, possibly six (I'm not sure of one) have some tie to Islam (not all are even mosques). 10 of them are direct to CHRISTIAN churches.

The rest are scattered between old cities, preserving dance, and yes, even a bakery.

Using round numbers, a little over $272,000 of that $6 million went to "mosques" as you say. As opposed to the over $3 MILLION for Christian based preservation. That's one TENTH.

(Whether or not we should be spending ANY of that money in these economic times is another discussion all together.)

"After the "Christian" right wingers destroy the Islamic religion in the US, who will they turn on next? Catholics? Buddists? Who?"

Probably us Jews. Everytime I hear about this being a "Christian country, founded on Christian values, and if you don't want to be a Christian, you can leave", I start wondering if this was how it felt to be in 1930's Berlin

Vier -- this reminds me of a quote from Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) (I left a link so that the undereducated up here might read about him and understand who he was.

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Nuff said.

Beth - the point is that we should be spending preservation money in this country, not in any foreign country. We have our own historical buildings and landmarks that need to be preserved rather than destroyed. If people in other countries want to preserve their heritage, then they should do so via their own funding.

Beth: '' a little over $272,000 of that $6 million went to "mosques" Beth I do not want one damn penny of my tax dollars {yes I do pay income tax} for any mosque!! And I am pretty damn angry about it! The people who are suffering in this country, and you want to defend Obama rebuilding mosques in the Middle east? Do you think the USA has the money to rebuild WAHABI mosques?

I don't disagree on that point ABCzyk, especially in these economic times ... but that's NOT what "Peacelover" was trying to do.

He was using that document to inflame people even further, by insinuating that the U.S. was spending millions of dollars on mosques, totally ignoring the fact that 10 times MORE of the money was going toward Christian related projects.

Nowhere did he make the point that that money should not have been spent outside the U.S. at all.

Beth: '' a little over $272,000 of that $6 million went to "mosques" Beth I do not want one damn penny of my tax dollars {yes I do pay income tax} for any mosque!! And I am pretty damn angry about it! The people who are suffering in this country, and you want to defend Obama rebuilding mosques in the Middle east?

Peacelover -- I never said or implied I supported it ... I just called YOU on your way of using that document to insinuate that $6 million was going mostly for mosques in order to inflame. You just didn't think anyone would actually read it.

In fact, I actually wrote this at the end:

(Whether or not we should be spending ANY of that money in these economic times is another discussion all together.)

For the record, if we had the money to spare, I believe we should help save cultural icons from all over the world. They are all part of our history. HOWEVER, also for the record, I don't think we should be spending ANY of it (either the $270,000 for Islam related projects OR the $3 million for Christian related projects, OR any of the rest of it) until our debt situation is under control.

As an aside, you seem to be a very angry person for a "peacelover" so maybe you should work on that.

Beth: ''that's NOT what "Peacelover" was trying to do.'' you little lady have a lot of nerve

{Tax dollars used to build mosques!} American Family Assoc.

''US taxpayer dollars are being given away to help rebuild Islamic mosques overseas. According to the Associated Press, the Obama administration will give away nearly $6 million of American tax dollars to restore 63 historic and cultural sites, including Islamic mosques and minarets, in 55 nations. See the State Department document here.''

{Damn we are broke and Obama is building Mosques!} Beth STOP LYING and twisting my words {.......} my words Beth,DO YOU NOW UNDERSTAND? Beth when you see this ''.......'' it means you are quoting someone else! Got it? Beth I am not angry just frustrated by you trying to insinuate that I have twisted facts.

Peace - Be angry at the Republicans, then. The U.S. Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation was passed by the 106th Congress:

45 democrats | 55 republicans in the Senate
211 democrats | 223 republicans in the House

US Dept of State:''In 2010, U.S. ambassadors in more than 90 countries around the globe applied to the Fund'' That is Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and yes I am also angry with big spending republicans but at the same time the current admin is financing Reconstruction of mosques while we are on the brink of financial disaster, therefore it would be kind of idiotic to rail about money that was wasted in 2005.

Vincenzo, try using credible sources. The one's you've used are so unreliable you'd get more accurate information just pulling it of your rectum.

Toasty the us state dept? lol! what is not accurate?

I wasn't referring to the UN Heritage Site (an initiative I hold very close to my heart) comments.

Beth I am not angry just frustrated by you trying to insinuate that I have twisted facts.

So you cut and paste twisted facts, then agree with them. A fine line, but I'll grant it to you. However, you DO realize the difference between "building mosques" and "restoring antiquities"?

Damn we are broke and Obama is building Mosques!

And it was YOU who you SAID you were angry. In your VERY OWN POST! So now you are NOT angry?

And I am pretty damn angry about it!

LOL reasoned debate with someone running on so much displayed anger is pointless ... therefore I'll leave you to it, I have better things to do.

Have fun Toasty! :)

You have to look at the demographic that peacelover probably belongs to, Beth. The teaparty and 'mericun shills they hire to whore out are done so to appeal to only one section of Americans and guess who isn't isn't in that list?

What's behind nationwide anti-Shariah push?

Because we like to put our women in chains for overbearing misogynistic pseudo-christian reasons...

instead of overbearing misogynistic muslim ones.

Viktor, can we please stop telling lies? The USA was founded by separatists that were fleeing overly restrictive religious persecution in Britain. This country was founded to be secular and have no one national religion. All religions are welcome here be it Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam; our Constitution decrees it with freedom of religion.

The idea of allowing any religious law to have any bearing in our court system goes against everything this country is about. To allow Shariah law to play any part of in our legal system is absurd. The judge that applied Shariah law in his decision "... finding that the defendant lacked criminal intent because he believed that his wife must comply, under Islamic law, with his demand for sex" should be removed from the bench for violating his oath of office to uphold the laws of the United States. It does not matter that the decision was reversed on appeal, the fact that any judge could make such a ruling to start with is insane. No woman should have to worry about running into a judge like this and have her fate hang on her ability to launch a successful appeal. Religious law should never be allowed to intrude into our court system and certainly should not ever take precedence over our laws. If people want to follow their own religious laws in how they lead their lives I say fine, so long as they do not conflict with the laws of this country. Following your religious beliefs in how you invest your money is fine and I see no problem with investment funds targeted at these people. Nothing about this violates US law. However, saying a husband can rape his wife or commit honor killings because his religion condones it is definitely not acceptable. We should not need new laws to prevent this intrusion from happening. Unfortunately, certain activist judges have made these new laws a necessity to protect our legal system from their perverted views of justice.

Shortly, Shariah Law may be accepted in YOUR courtroom. Already, several U.S. towns have accepted the use of Shariah Law in their courts! This is outrageous. There are 19 lawsuits that were filed in 12 states to assert Shariah Law into our U.S. Court system!''teaparty.org................................. knowledge is power and therefore it is important for the american people to be informed about Islam and shariah law!

" Already, several U.S. towns have accepted the use of Shariah Law in their courts!"

Prove it. There are ZERO towns that accept any form of Sharia law and ZERO court cases where it has been accepted and survived appeal (always due to the judge accepting into evidence items that legally have no standing).

I know of just one case where a low level judge allowed evidence of a person's upbringing (third world muslim country) in a domestic violence case - where the abuser got a minimal sentence - and the case was promptly overturned upon appeal because the low level judge blatantly violated the law. This one had nothing to do with Sharia law, but everything to do with a judge allowing things into evidence that legally should not have been.

The bigoted and the far right fear mongers stir up this sharia law scare tactic whenever they can - in order to keep the public in fear of muslims. It's a common tactic for controlling the common public - using fear and intimidation when no real cause of that fear exists.

There is a video of a news report by WSB-TV in Atlanta that reports on how American taxpayer money is being spent to refurbish mosques in the Middle East. Try Goggling "mosques makeovers with your tax dollars" if the following address is automatically deleted.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25762604/detail.html

It doesn't matter who started this practice or when. This country is in dire economic trouble. We don't need to be doing this. We need to be tending to people in our own country. Obama and Congress have the power to stop this spending if they choose to do so.

You are a flat out liar or just bigoted enough to want to 'fix' the truth so that it fits your bigotry.

The news article you reference DOES NOT say that American money was spent on Mosques. The news article states that American money was used to fix a sewer. A sewer that flooded and happen to flood and severly damage among other things, a Mosque. Then it goes about mentioning that other American money was spent on several unidentified projects in countries in the middle east. the article does not specify what these other projects did or what was done with them.

NO WHERE IN THE ARTICLE DOES IT SAY THAT AMERICAN MONEY WAS SPENT ON MOSQUES OR ANY OTHER MUSLIM RELIGIOUS BUILDING.

If you're going to throw your lies and bigotry around - at least make it harder to prove you wrong.

To the author of this ridiculous anti American story, I suggest to you ma'am that you go spend some time in some Muslim country like say, Somalia, and see what sharia law means to women. That ought to be the last we hear from you.

To the author of this ridiculous anti American story, I suggest to you ma'am that you go spend some time in some Muslim country like say, Somalia, and see what sharia law means to women. That ought to be the last we hear from you.

There is nothing "anti-American" about this story. It is about how people are using the empty threat of sharia law to intimidate and cast fear.

We live in AMERICA, therefore, while reprehensible, what goes on in a country such as Somalia is not under our control.

Our laws are under our control -- and we already have a perfectly good one that prevents sharia law in American courts. It's called the First Amendment to the Constitution. We need nothing more.

So ONE judge made a mistake ... it was overturned on appeal. That's what appeal is for. Because judges are human and make mistakes. Lots of judges make mistakes. Our American judicial system isn't perfect (look how many people are incensed over the Anthony verdict). But we don't need any NEW laws.

This is simply a fear tactic. Nothing more, nothing less.

This country was founded to be secular and have no one national religion. All religions are welcome here be it Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam; our Constitution decrees it with freedom of religion.

Geowil you are right ...

Here are two James Madison quotes that rank among my favorites:

An alliance or coalition between Government and religion cannot be too carefully guarded against......Every new and successful example therefore of a PERFECT SEPARATION between ecclesiastical and civil matters is of importance........religion and government will exist in greater purity, without (rather) than with the aid of government. [James Madison in a letter to Livingston, 1822, from Leonard W. Levy- The Establishment Clause, Religion and the First Amendment,pg 124]

Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects?

Religions - all religions - must be made to keep to themselves. If their members want to believe in them fine, but you cannot allow a religion's preferences and dictates to end up codified into law; when you do you end up with the type of travesty and vicious battle that has been going on re abortion in this country for decades where anti-freedom of choice crowd (euphemistically named "Pro-Life" to give them a positive spin) have been laboring non-stop to deny a woman the right to choose what she wants to do with her body.

The Catholic Church and those who belong to it and other similarly minded organizations are perfectly entitled to believe whatever they want about "when an embryo is a human being" - despite the fact it can't be proven scientifically by them or anyone. If they had their way, they would have us return to the butcher period prior to the legalization of abortion - where women were dying having abortions in back rooms - simply because their personal religious biases say abortion shouldn't be allowed. God is a God of Love - not capricious, constricting and destructive in his thinking as are these self-righteous true believers who would happily force their beliefs down all of our throats.

Well, same thing with Shariah Law. Let those who think its fine and dandy live their lives according to it, but when you commit a crime in the United States you are subject to the laws of the United States. Any efforts to suggest that the courts "respect" and utilize Shariah Law in their decisions is utterly absurd.

Keep the religions separate from the government; otherwise you will end up with a capricious, nonsensical and dangerous miscarriage of both government and justice.

"After the "Christian" right wingers destroy the Islamic religion in the US, who will they turn on next? Catholics? Buddists? Who?"

"Probably us Jews. Everytime I hear about this being a "Christian country, founded on Christian values, and if you don't want to be a Christian, you can leave", I start wondering if this was how it felt to be in 1930's Berlin."

This is why it is of vital importance to keep church and state separate in the U.S. Everyone has the right to belong here without regard to religious affiliation. Just because the country has a Christian majority does not give that group the right to ram their religion down everyone else's throats.

The religion that seeks to ram it down everyone else's throats is Radical Islam. Islam is a combination religion and political system. While I have no doubt the majority of Muslims are peaceful, as their numbers increase, that will change, as it has throughout history.

I'm not sure that anti-Shariah laws are the answer, but I'm damn sure that the vile Shariah law practiced by Islamist losers like the Taliban has no place in civilization, let alone the United States of America !!

Well, same thing with Shariah Law. Let those who think its fine and dandy live their lives according to it, but when you commit a crime in the United States you are subject to the laws of the United States. Any efforts to suggest that the courts "respect" and utilize Shariah Law in their decisions is utterly absurd.

Of course it is. Any more than making Jewish law or Christian law part of the court system (although they sure try). And to prevent it, we have the First Amendment. Nothing more needs to be done.

Again, considering as how the ONLY case that even considered it got overturned on an immediate appeal, this is merely a scare tactic. I'd hope MOST would be smart enough to see through it.

''We are not welcome in Muslim countries we are not safe in Muslim countries so it is only fair that they not be allowed to come here.'' Wow very difficult to argue with this?

fight for freedom-2341533.

Having worked and lived in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Egypt I can say that the muslim people are not like us. They think and act differently than a westerner. Shariah law is a threat to be recognized. Thank any political representative who is progressive enough to be moving forward against this threat while it is in its infancy.

Perhaps its why the left is going so hard after Allan West, who also knows more than his fair share of Sharia Law.

What I don't get is why Debbie Wasserman Schultz would be against him. Does she not cherish her Jewish heritage? I guess her being Democrat supercedes being Jewish.

Kudos!!!

Try using American laws in a Muslim courtroom and see where it gets you.

Alan West is the best!

FedupwithFed

Agreed Peace...he sure is giving Debbie a run for her money....tells me he must be doing something right!

"Goyim were born only to serve us. Without that, they have no place in the world – only to serve the People of Israel. In Israel, death has no dominion over them... With gentiles, it will be like any person – they need to die, but [God] will give them longevity. Why? Imagine that one's donkey would die, they'd lose their money. This is his servant... That's why he gets a long life, to work well for this Jew. Why are gentiles needed? They will work, they will plow, they will reap. We will sit like an effendi and eat. That is why gentiles were created." ~ Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Oct. 18, 2010 (Josef is the head of the Shas's Council of Torah Sages, and Chief Rabbi of Israel 1973 - 1983)

"''We are not welcome in Muslim countries we are not safe in Muslim countries so it is only fair that they not be allowed to come here.'' Wow very difficult to argue with this?"

Not so very hard. Why would we want to do exactly what Muslim countries are doing? Isn't the very premise of our nation that we are a nation of incredible diversity, a nation of immigrants? Think of the inscription on the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Alan West is a piece of garbage. Foul, rotten garbage. Disgraceful that a piece of crap like West can serve in our legislature!

Bluelake

''Alan West is a piece of garbage'' Are you saying that because you are a racist and are upset that a black man is a conservative congressman? Shame on you it is 2011 and you may need some sensitivity training,I will pray for you.

I prefer Adam West myself.

What I don't get is why Debbie Wasserman Schultz would be against him. Does she not cherish her Jewish heritage? I guess her being Democrat supercedes being Jewish.

My guess ... she follows JEWISH law. In many areas they are not so dissimilar (remembering that both stem from a desert culture) and she probably, and rightly so, doesn't want HER religious freedoms trampled.

We have the Constitution which forbids the establishment of any religion ... that would include in the court system. Are their mistakes? Certainly, but the one being bandied about up here was OVERTURNED ON APPEAL. There are ALWAYS mistakes in the court system, judges are people too. That's why we have APPEAL.

We don't need to add any more ridiculous laws.

"This country was founded on Christianity"

BY Christians, yes. ON CHRISTIANITY, no.

Your ignorance is really scarier than any outside threat becaue you know nothing about your own government. This is not a nation founded on Christianity. That's a line Christian fundamentalist revisionists tell. Most of the founders were deists who did not believe in any literal bible and were adamant that individual rights, not Christian ones be the foundation for the new government. Jefferson: "History furnishes NO example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a civil government." Madison: "An alliance or coalition between government and religion cannot be too carefully guarded against. "

Go ahead and pray for me. I'll take what I can get. Is Alan West black? I never noticed. Whether he is black, white, red, orange, yellow or blue he's still a piece of ignorant garbage. Still a disgrace to our country. Shameful!!

Heh, Allen West is Uncle Ruckus made real.

Bluelake I really don't think you even know who Allen west is? You probably just read something Toasty posted? lol.

Unfortunately, he's also a very violent man. Fired from the army for abusing prisoners of war, constantly attacking his political opposition, even using thugs for lack of a better term to physically intimidate others. Ask any psychologist, and they'll tell you that this man fits the bill for wife beating. And now he's set his sights personally on a woman who disagreed with him politically. If Congresswoman Schultz is smart, she'll issue a restraining order against West, because this man is dangerous. He WILL end up assaulting someone before the end of his term. Maybe a colleague, maybe a member of his staff, or maybe just a family member. But he is a very violent and dangerous man, and it will happen.

I'd love to see documentation of what west knows of Sharia Law. Apparently he doesn't know much of any law being that he was stupid enough to get fired while in theatre during a deployment. You have to be an utter moron to get fired mid tour. The only thing west knows how to do is placate and play the minstrel program to get votes.

While I always enjoy and most always agree with The Toastmaster I dont need him to tell me about West. As I said he's a vicious piece of political garbage. The man has a very bad relationship with the truth and is very dangerous in a seat of power. He has proven just how low the republican party has sunk. Disgusting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYbaln3Uqfc

Sura 9:5 says, "Slay the idolaters wherever you find them

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MZx38i6iYs

CAIR Confronts Allen West

west is a minstrel in the teapublican show. He wasn't fit to stay in command while deployed and he's not fit to hold any public office.

Religions - all religions - must be made to keep to themselves. If their members want to believe in them fine, but you cannot allow a religion's preferences and dictates to end up codified into law; when you do you end up with the type of travesty and vicious battle that has been going on re abortion in this country for decades where anti-freedom of choice crowd (euphemistically named "Pro-Life" to give them a positive spin) have been laboring non-stop to deny a woman the right to choose what she wants to do with her body.

The Catholic Church and those who belong to it and other similarly minded organizations are perfectly entitled to believe whatever they want about "when an embryo is a human being" - despite the fact it can't be proven scientifically by them or anyone. If they had their way, they would have us return to the butcher period prior to the legalization of abortion - where women were dying having abortions in back rooms - simply because their personal religious biases say abortion shouldn't be allowed. God is a God of Love - not capricious, constricting and destructive in his thinking as are these self-righteous true believers who would happily force their beliefs down all of our throats.

Well, same thing with Shariah Law. Let those who think its fine and dandy live their lives according to it, but when you commit a crime in the United States you are subject to the laws of the United States. Any efforts to suggest that the courts "respect" and utilize Shariah Law in their decisions is utterly absurd.

Keep the religions separate from the government; otherwise you will end up with a capricious, nonsensical and dangerous miscarriage of both government and justice.

Is it only the people south of the mason dixon line that you are fearful of? What about people in the southwest do they also frighten you?

Andrew547

I am afraid of any region in which the people seriously believe "sharia law" is a threat to anything. So far that seems to be "the south". If it's also "the southwest", then we're in bigger trouble than I thought.

Andrew547 Maybe it would be wise for you to not venture far from home?........just joking.

To Andrew547, and to any others who casually dismiss the prospect of having the American concept of secular law contaminated by the inclusion of religious law:

Secular law stems from an attempt to bring even-handed, rational decisions into the courts. Religious law stems from old traditions, from irrational cultural habits, from flawed ideas that over time become deified, and from just plain ignorance.

Neither system is perfect. However, secular law allows for challenge, debate, re-consideration, and change. Religious law is static and places itself above reality, and eventually even above morality.

Religious laws that dictate diet or clothing standards are generally silly and irrelevant. Such laws are often used as social narcissism by their adherents.

However, suppose these scenarios:

1) Two people wind up contesting in court over a serious issue, and (one or both) cite their religious laws as rationale for their actions.

2) An event deemed a crime has been committed. The accused cites his adherence to religious law as his defense, and claims that his religious law overrides any secular law.

3) A religious law contradicts a secular law.

How should these case be decided?

The three scenarios above offer very simple examples of why one set of laws cannot be allowed to co-exist with a different set of laws. In the U.S., we are committed to secular law, and are still in the process of moving away from religious law. Let us not backtrack by re-introducing more religious laws into our legal system.

In this country, religious law cannot be allowed to trump, or even influence, secular law.

Move to the Middle East and your problem will be solved. They need you over there.

Andrew, sharia law calls for the destruction of Israel and with some of the radicals in power, like Iran, sooner or later they are going to try and annihilate Israel. Why do you think that Iran wants the nukes? Also, Islamic religion says that a great country will come to the aid of Israel and Mohammed will come back to earth. These zealots want a war with Israel and the great country would be the United States.

http://orangecoffeecup.com/muslim-brotherhood-not-so-bad-023-the-american-patriot/

And our own home grown zealots think that Armageddon will be their ticket to heaven. These are the zealots that are the greatest threat to me, my liberty and my rights. These are the zealots who, everyday, try to subvert the laws that I live under to suite their agenda, not the Muslim zealots.

The three scenarios above offer very simple examples of why one set of laws cannot be allowed to co-exist with a different set of laws. In the U.S., we are committed to secular law, and are still in the process of moving away from religious law. Let us not backtrack by re-introducing more religious laws into our legal system.

And the First Amendment covers that nicely.

BMette: You are the real threat to this nation--not the governance of any other country. You need to repeat 8th grade (perhaps 5th as well, so you can have a real grounding) into how US law works and perhaps get a bit of background on why your Sharia nonsense is just that: nonsense.

BMette- Totally agree. I dont casually dismiss this threat. I cringe at the hypocrisy of the religious right in this country.

What is it that ignorant rubes in 'mericuh don't understand about third party arbitration? The so called sharia laws on the books are merely third party arbitration laws. Third party arbitration cannot be used in criminal cases and is only valid in civil cases and BOTH PARTIES HAVE TO AGREE TO BE BOUND BY IT BEFORE IT CAN BE USED. This concept is not hard to understand at all. Seriously, were all of these people dropped on their heads when they were babies and the common sense portion of their brains came running out of their ears?

BMette,

right on, so now we can repeal DOMA right? I mean, it is a religiously based law, so therefore unconstitutional.

In this country, religious law cannot be allowed to trump, or even influence, secular law.

Yup. And not only that - it is unconstitutional for any religious law to be observed. Be it Sharia, Pure Muslim or Pure Christian.

So for those fear mongering bigots who parade Sharia law around as an evil that is taking over America, you need to remember that Sharia law is ALREADY illegal in this country. For the same reason that Christian religous laws are illegal: Our Constitution is founded on the basis that Religion and government are to be seperate.

That is unless you prescribe to the belief that Christian Religious laws are allowed by the Constitution. For those folks - they're screwed because the same logic that lets them believe that Christian religous laws are allowed would allow for Sharia and Muslim laws too. (It's a good thing that the founding fathers were smarter than these idiots huh?)

These same clowns that say "there's no such thing as a separation of church and state" when we attempt to defend ourselves from their impositions are sure changing their tunes now, aren't they?

I'm in favor of ending tax exemptions for religious organizations. The very bedrock of the founding of this country is the separation of church and state, and that goes for every religion, Christianity included.

This worldwide religious mania (resulting from the advent of the new millennium, perhaps?) is only a phase to be endured, and when the smoke clears and reality prevails, religious hoopla will be shown for what it is: the opiate of the people.

dls: So religious intolerance is a bad thing but religious intolerance of Jews is a good thing? Please tell me the extent of your influence over any other living human being extends to your front door. What a mind...

AP: Whatever are you going on about? Where was religious intolerance of Jews lauded?

To quote dls, "we see the enormous political influence of the Jewish lobby in Washington". It is fact that the Jewish lobby has a huge influence in this country. Get over political correctness and discuss the reality that exists.

I'm so tired of all the sacred cows and sanctimonious drivel when any mention of religion is concerned. There is no intolerance worse than that.

Maybe an attempt to expose the absurdities behind something that we will one day look back on and be embarrassed about. You know like Jim Crow and anti-Chinese laws.

Maybe because that's what Journalists do?

Uh, did you even read the article, Will? States are putting forward bills banning Sharia, despite there being absolutely no movement to implement sharia... Because it's already banned under the First Amendment.

Really, a fifth grader could read this article.

Wait, last time I checked killings, discrimination and oppression were already illegal in the US. Was there this sudden wave of judges saying "oh that person was just performing an honor killing we're going to let it slide" happening or something?

More like the gull of brainless legislatures trying to make additional laws that outlaw things that are already illegal and not actually happening in the US. Hey, I know, let's spend the next year or two and make like 15 new laws stating how murder is illegal. It'll be a great use of time and money.

Hey I know, we can all get together and make laws stating how the underpants gnomes are a threat to our society and we should start making laws against those little rats.

"Wait, last time I checked killings, discrimination and oppression were already illegal in the US."

Way to miss the point Doggy. If Shariah law is accepted as valid by a US court, you might just find that things you reckon ought to be illegal won't be anymore.

If someone killed your daughter and then paid a $20,000 fine as "punishment" are you going to be cool with that?

Or, doggy, how about someone rapes your 12-year-old daughter, and she is imprisoned and executed as punishment for her "sexual promiscuity"? If you weren't agreeable to her punishment, you, too, would face punishment.

How about we pay attention to real, instead of imagined, threats? Which I believe was Doggy's point.

Those looking to impose Biblical law are the ACTUAL threat, let's focus on them.

If you pay attention to world news, it's not imagined, Dr. This sort of thing happens all the time.

The issue here is not the merits of Sharia Law, but the hype surrounding it. Has anyone else noticed that the people who are the most up in arms over the perceived threat of Sharia Law are people who hold fundamentalist positions in their own, competing religions? What is their hidden agenda?

Religion has no place in American law or government, period.

Mike: Geez you need to get some fresh air. Repeat after me: "The US is a democracy" once again now: "the US is a democracy"....

Guess what Mike. THEY ARE ALREADY OUTLAWED. Sharia is already banned under the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

No Jherek, you're missing the whole point..... those things are already illegal so making additional laws against it is rather stupid and pointless. What's next, quick let's make a law outlawing human sacrifice because those damn Mayans might take over the government. Oh wait... it's already illegal.

I guess you skipped the portion of the article that stated that judge's decision was overturned? Did you skip it intentionally or by accident?

Mike, the average individual is simply too stupid or lazy to read through the entire article let alone even understand that judges can make mistakes and that's where the whole concept of the appeal comes from. Most people just read the headline and then convince themselves that the number of deaths from honor killings outweighs all other problems like unemployment, national debt, the possibility of defaulting on that debt, etc. It's how you get ridiculous laws that people 10 years down the road say "what the hell were we drinking that night to come up with this crap and how do we now unravel the confusion it creates".

I find it absolutely hilarious that there are people that actually think judges regularly discard US law and apply some funny form of religious law or foreign law and the ruling survives even the first appeals process.....

Or someone who kills his parents because he was abused.

I guess you are missing the point that the judge actually ruled against it...the fact that he did, regardless if it was overturned should spark OUTRAGE!

I would not mind shariah law as it pertains to finances. Interest is illegal. In fact, HSBC bank has an interesting mortgage program that is shariah compliant. It does require a 35% down payment, as opposed to the normal 20% down payment required in the U.S. Frequently that is arranged through family and friends for young married couples. But instead of buying a $100,000 home and actually paying $300,000 for it - as we do here, the bank might only make $25 - $50 thousand. You can read about their program here - http://tinyurl.com/3go6kez

freedman1 if you want to live under shariah law then i suggest you move to the "muslim world" there you can have all the shariah compliant loans you like. i, being an atheist, refuse to live under ANY religious law of any kind that includes money blessed by "allah" and eating meat that has been prayed over by some "religious" nut

Hey sick -I'm not going anywhere. This is my home, I served in the military to protect it, and no weasel is about to tell me where to live my life.

If you enjoy being a slave to the system that finds every way possible to grind you down - that is your choice. While I am not about to become a muslim, I do find our current financial situation monstrously construed against the regular guy.

@sickandtired... I believe freedman was giving an example of how Sharia Law isn't 100% horrible in every single facet. Not that I'm defending it overall, so please don't come back at me with that. This is only about paying interest, not about stoning adulterers (which definitely wouldn't work here, as we'd lose half our adult population...)

HSBC providing an alternative to paying interest on a mortgage for 30 years seems like a valid business proposition to me, as long as anyone can choose that option regardless of religious affiliation.

Our system isn't perfect either. If we can learn something from other cultures that we can use to our benefit, why should we disregard it merely out of fear and prejudice?

Common sense is the key to so much in life.

People have a severe lack of understanding of the point of the appeals process... Also, judges are human and make mistakes with their rulings. When they do it gets overturned by a higher appeals court. There are more instances of people getting convicted of crimes they didn't commit then a case where Shariah law is applied. Why don't you want to make convicting an innocent person illegal? Because good faith mistakes happen in the justice system and they're appealed later and often fixed. There's no reason to get upset about one or even several instances of a judge screwing something up, especially if it get's fixed on appeal. There are many many more important things to be upset about....

Yes, my bad. I misread the article. I wrote my comment at almost 2 in the morning.

norm I agree with you about taxing religion it should not receive any special status.

and muslims should pay interest on their loans...the rest of us do...but it is against their religion?????

You are a promoter of getting reamed by banks? Wow! You are really brainwashed. "I'm a slave - everybody should become one."

In ancient biblical Israel, it was against the Law of Moses to charge interest on private loans. During the Middle Ages, time was considered to be the property of God. Therefore, to charge interest was considered to be commerce with God's property.

St. Thomas Aquinas, the leading theologian of the Catholic Church, argued that the charging of interest is wrong because it amounts to "double charging", charging for both the thing and the use of the thing.

The Second Lateran Council condemned any repayment of a debt with more money than was originally loaned, the Council of Vienna explicitly prohibited usury and declared any legislation tolerant of usury to be heretical, and the first scholastics reproved the charging of interest.

So, Jews became the money lenders. The concept has spread so thoroughly, that even Fedup wants everybody to participate.

How about taxing items that are actually detrimental to society? I am already inordinately taxed without having to get hit yet again at church. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you get to dictate a levy against those that do.

yzf600r Believe me I am not against religion, but can you explain to me why religion is tax exempt in regards to the religions promotion and implementation?

"So, Jews became the money lenders."

yep those evil demonic jews

sick - the adjectives are yours alone. Otherwise, it's called history.

YZF- you don't seem to understand how taxes work; "you" would not be taxed, the church would. Once you give it to the church it is no longer yours, it is church income. Just like the "death tax"; the implication is that the dead are being taxed, nope. It is the beneficiaries who are being taxed, the people who are enjoying income that they have not earned, they are the one's being taxed.

By the way, the reason churches are not taxed is so tax policy cannot be manipulated to show favoritism to one church over another. It was deemed fair to tax none rather than risk the injustice of showing favoritism.

Jon, what you don't seem to understand is that the church isn't an abstract body. I and its members are the church.

PeaceLover, the church isn't taxed the same way other secular organizations are exempt such as the Red Cross as they are classified a non-profit.

If churches were taxed, wouldn't the Church (whichever "Church" that may be) then be funding the government? Separating church and state seems difficult if one goes down that path.

Freedman: Jews were traditionally "allowed" to be moneylenders in ancient civilizaitons because anti-semitism cut them off from making a living in most other ways. If you're going to make a comment like that, at least explain yourself or you will be dismissed as just another raving anti-semite.

It doesn't matter what they called it, you can't have the freedom of religion without the freedom from religion. It's impossible to have one without the other; they are completely inseparable.

Toasty: Well said; two thumbs up.

On a different point, while reading some of the muslim rhetoric on this thread I was tempted to hit the Inflamatory or No Value button, but thought better. If you think about it, when the planes hit the twin towers it was devastating news in America and the West, but muslims were dancing in the streets in the Middle East. Same event, two very different viewpoints and responses. Which is correct? Both. At the least it allows us to know who we're dealing with and what they believe in, death to the infidels which is anyone not muslim. Nonetheless, as long as they stay within the boundaries of our society they are welcome to practice their religon and welcome here, although it grinds me to say it.

I saw a woman in the parking lot this morning wearing a head covering and the first thought that came to my mind was to say something like "I hope you don't have a bomb in your purse." The second was, norm903, you are a jerk to even think that. Saying things like that to muslims in America is the sort of thing that drives them to radicalism. Ah America, land of the free. A day here is better than a lifetime anywhere else.

Well, clearly Islam as a whole is a national security threat. But we can't let that be transferred into violating peoples' individual rights. We are a liberal democracy, and as such individual liberties are paramount in all cases.

Freedom from religion, yes! Please!

kaybeetoys - Toasty is right - freedom of religion cannot exist without freedom from religion. Never fear, the first amendment says it all, and here's the legal interpretation -

"All persons shall have full and free liberty of religious opinion; nor shall any be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious institution" (Thomas Jefferson)

Thanks, Jim! Thomas Jefferson was a wise man.

Is there anything more fake than compulsory religious observance, or using religion as a badge of morality?

If only people could look a little further into an individual's character instead of assuming goodness or evil based on religious affiliation or lack of it.

YZF- that's like saying your "are" K-mart because you shop there. The church exists with or without you pal and once you hand over your green it is gone, it is no longer yours and "you" are not the one who must meed the definition of a "church" to avoid paying taxes.

You're paranoid Linda. get help.

We already have a set of laws in the US - based on 300 or more years of precedent. The notion that somehow we're going to adopt new laws all of a sudden is bizarre and crazy.

Oh you think? Our dadgummed government is SO "politically correct" they will allow this to happen and we will be AS surprised as the British were over 200 years ago

YOU, andrew need the help

Yeah, I think. Law is not politics. No one is going to be surprising anyone with "sharia law".

LuvHeat, do you have any clue how the legal system works? Hint: oh nevermind....

Yes, OMG! Sharia law is coming! Be afraid...be very, very afraid! Nail your doors shut, don't trust anyone...especially the police or the courts. They are, after all, the ones that are allowing sharia law to rule our lives!

Run!

Screw Sharia. Who needs it? Really?

Andrew,

Politics is often the basis for laws, and changes in laws. We should be very afraid of allowing Sharia to have any influence in American courtrooms. The punishments for minor crimes like shoplifting are severe and swift. No appeals.

Christian extremists bomb and kill to impose their agenda, right here in the good old US of A.

As do Muslim extremists, Jon. What's your point?

I believe his point is to stop being so damn holier than thou with your hatred.

Sorry Linda, but you do need some help.

I wasn't aware that my comment was "holier than thou" or hateful in nature. I was merely replying to Andrew concerning the threat of religious law taking precedence in American courtrooms. As I've stated before, I wouldn't want to live in any sort of theocracy.

Are you afraid of "Smurf law" being imposed on you too Dani, it is every bit as likely you know.

Okay, Jon, just keep those blinders on.

Shariah law and Christian law are in violation of the 1st Amendment...

"Muslim extremists have spoken openly that they want to bring Sharia law to European countries."

The key word here is extremists. Have there been any countries in Europe in which Muslims have been successful in implementing Sharia law?

This issue is one in a long list of scare tactics the teabaggers are using to frighten gullible people into rejecting anything to do with non-Christian, non- white people. Open your eyes. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Andrew, perhaps you should do a little more research into Islamic extremism and it's wide-spread influence over the muslim culture before you write any more of your snarky and ill-informed comments.

It is very easy to dismiss legitimate concerns when you have your head buried in the sand as deeply as you do.

Yes, the sane do realize that nonsese is insanity.

The notion that our courts or legal system is going to adopt "sharia law" is pure paranoia.

In case you're unclear:

Paranoia: a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion.

Naw...nice try....it's just more right wing hysterics by the morons who don't even know what their own political system is (hint: it's a democratic republic)

Guess what, LMP. Sharia is already banned under the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

(hint: it's a democratic republic)

Nice try. It's a Constitutional Republic. And if you have to revert to name calling, you really don't have anything worthwhile to say.

Guess what, LMP.

Guess what, TM. It's always better to dot your i's and cross your t's. People in Europe are learning the menace that Sharia and Islam are as have many people across the globe when their cultures either disappeared or are now being attacked. Better to be wise and address the issue of Sharia before it becomes a bigger problem than to wait and be sorry. The so-called moderates can still practice the religious aspect of Islam, they just will not be allowed to contaminate the States by perverting state/federal law into Sharia law. As a law abiding, America loving citizen, you should have no problem with that. :)

Tell me, does your ass ever get jealous of the crap that comes out of your mouth?

Life, bush also french kisses and skips down garden paths holding hands with islamic terrorists.

"Islam brings hope and comfort to millions of people in my country, and to more than a billion people worldwide. Ramadan is also an occasion to remember that Islam gave birth to a rich civilization of learning that has benefited mankind." ~ George W. Bush, Dec. 4, 2002

freedman1... thank you for the quote. Like I said, this is made up hate directed at Pres Obama.

Ronko... yes. I know Reps like to forget those 8 years. It is like those years were never part of America's history

no the US is not based on Christian law. (scary, this democracy stuff isn't it?) The founders were mostly deist and very decidedly wary of the Christian church. Don't quote the bible and the constitution in the same breath. (Under God was added in the 50's, and not to the Constitution, but to the pledge, by right wing nutcases who thought, like you, we were about to be over run by Communists that time. We survived those imbeciles...we'll survive the "look out Sharia" crowd.)

Pray tell, LH, where is this "foothold?" Go on. Tell us where Sharia law is taking hold in America, LuvHeat. Tell us about this mysterious place that is somehow exempt from the First Amendment. Go on.

LuvHeat

The following is the original pledge. I don't see the word God in there at all. I also do not see God mentioned in the US Constitution.

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We were not founded as a Christian nation, but rather a secular nation providing freedoms for all people regardless of their religion.

I agree - Christians first.

Relax.

No one is trying to dominate anything, and no one could dominate anything if they tried....which they haven't.

Muslims will be as successful as the USSR in taking over America. And the Soviets weren't very successful, were they?

They weren't successful because the only people who thought the Russians wanted to take over America were Americans. I'm not sure the Russians ever wanted America. Red Dawn showed just how hard it is for any foreign power to occupy another's land.

Actually, if you'll look at Muslim-dominated countries, you will see that the radicals do indeed have the desire and the ability to DOMINATE an entire populace, and certain segments of that populace (i.e., women, girls, and homosexuals) have few or no basic human rights under that domination.

I wouldn't want to live in a theocracy of any sort- and that's what we will eventually be living under if Sharia law were allowed to become a major influence in our legal system.

@Andrew547 "No one is trying to dominate anything, and no one could dominate anything if they tried....which they haven't."

I don't care what muslims believe nor where they practice, hell they can in US for all I care.

Having said that if they become the Major religion in US , by sheer votes and couple generations of having muslims in couple public service jobs, yes that is their intent to try to put into place Sharia Law, as they would have it, like a country in middle east. These people have already imposed this on themselves and would have it ( given the change ) imposed on rest of us.

This is Fact, a matter of public knowledge, they state it all the time. all around the world where there is a muslim community , they are trying to impose it , request it, suggest it.

Some islamic leaders have even admitted that only way to peacefully bring about this is by shear numbers , ie their women will bring about many children and in time they will have the political vote simple. sad but true .. do your research its a matter of public record.

I repeat: no one is going to be changing any laws or replacing existing law with sharia law.

Any notion to the contrary is paranoia. If you truly believe what you say, I hope you do some research on our legal system. I hope that the facts will help you find a way out of your fear.

Andrew, facts and learning are very unfamiliar concepts to people who would rather just discriminate and hate based on fear

I wonder if we should have our State Legislators make constitutional amendments banning slavery? I'd hate for it to take a foothold.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."

Don't forget the other way of saying the name of the god of moses, yahweh, now pronounce allah and yahweh do you notice a similarity.

There are some people in life who just can't be taught. :(

yes but aren't we unwashed ignorant peasants so lucky to have you intellectual superiority to enlighten us of our stupidity.

Teaparty=idiot magnet.

I find all Muslim's speak with a forked tongue

I find that all Christians are stupid, paranoid, hegemonic, and unreasonable.

How do you like that? That's right...you probably don't like that.

I hope you consider this a lesson and reconsider your crazy generalization. I really wish I could give your comment a "thumbs down".

Just say no to paranoia and unhelpful generalizations.

''I find that all Christians are stupid, paranoid, hegemonic, and unreasonable.''Andrew547 do they also frighten you andrew? Try to calm down just a little high strung sir?

Andrew's comment was made in the context of being facetious. Read between the lines, peace.

''I find that all Christians are stupid, paranoid, hegemonic, and unreasonable.''Andrew547 do they also frighten you andrew? Try to calm down just a little high strung sir?

I don't mind that 1 person totally misunderstood my point, but that four people (as of this moment) "liked" peace lover's post is troubling.

That's 4 people not dealing in reality....or maybe not bothering to read all 5 lines of text.

To think the Romans said so many hateful and spiteful the to incite mob rule against the Christians. Or Hitler and his follower against the jews.

The Saracens are invading again? Man the ballistae!

Quick! Someone fetch Orlando Bloom!

And France is a perfect example of a country which is very very sorry they ever allowed so many muslims entry into their country - and now are caught in the unenviable position of trying to undo the damage.

OOOOOH so Bufbarnaby, you want discrimination, both by ethnicity and religion... I didn't realize it was 1702 again! YAY!

You obviously don't personally know any AMERICAN Muslims. (And YES, they ARE Americans) I'll clue you in. They get up, feed their family, go to work, hang out with friends, and like a beer on weekends, just like you! I have never had a muslim friend every try to "impose sharia law" on me.

Get over your fear.

Mandy - I have news for you. Your muslim friends aren't the ones calling the shots in the Islamic community.

Yea, and the radical muslims aren't calling the shots for the muslim Americans in this country, or the majority of muslims in muslim countries. Go figure.

BLTs and free puppies for all Muslim immigrants!

Oh, minus that fact that the US stands for freedom for ALL of its citizens. Yes gunman, American Muslims ARE citizens. Islam belongs just as much as Christians do.

I am afraid of goblins, goblins hate America, we need anti-goblin legislation now before it is too late and the goblins are running our lives.

OMG - NOT the dreaded GOBLINS! Flee! Run for your lives! They want to use Goblin law to enslave us real Americans!

I'll join your movement, Jon - count me IN!