Is Islam a Cult? So Says GOP Leader from Tennessee
Ron Ramsey, the Lt. Gov. of Tennessee who has thrown his hat in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary, publicly declared that Islam is more a cult than faith. He also stated, “My concern is that far too much of Islam has come to resemble a violent political philosophy more than peace-loving religion. It is time for American Muslims who love this country to publicly renounce violent jihadism and to drum those who seek to do America harm out of their faith community.”
Sometimes I wonder how stupid politicians can be. Islam has the 2nd largest number of followers after Christianity, and if that does not convince Ramsey about its status as a world religion, then what will? Making such irrational comments, Ramsey may be pandering to his party’s base and lift his poll numbers, however, he is also exhibiting his lack of general knowledge and common sense.
I also express my ignorance of not being able to name American Muslim leaders who are preaching “violent jihadism” in the country, whereas I know of several rightwing nuts who speak in the name of Jesus Christ, the greatest proponent of peace in the history of humankind, and advocate “violent jihadism.” Why does not Ramsey lecture them? And let me remind Ramsey, it was his party’s former leader George W Bush who uttered the word “crusade” while declaring war on Iraq.
What stupefies me is that there was no criticism from GOP bosses for Ramsey’s irresponsible comments—is this view then endorsed by the mainstream Republicans? If that is true, it would indicate a very sorry state for the party.
We should know that we are living in an extraordinary time, when tensions between religious groups are heightened to unexpected levels. People, especially politicians, need to exercise more care when speaking publicly, despite their personal feelings.
Finally, if we have not overcome the race and religious issues ourselves, we do not have any right to lecture others. Period.
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