Buddhist congresswoman sworn in with no book, calls for tolerance

[StrictlyRockers]

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0104buddhist-ON.html

Buddhist congresswoman sworn in with no book, calls for tolerance

Gannett News Service
Jan. 4, 2007 07:21 PM


WASHINGTON - While a new, Muslim member of Congress sparked a controversy for taking his oath of office with a Quran instead of a Bible on Thursday, another new member who is Buddhist was sworn in with no book at all.

Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat who was raised in the Buddhist tradition but doesn't actively practice the religion, said, "I don't have a book. ... But I certainly believe in the precepts of Buddhism and that of tolerance of other religions and integrity and honesty."

<...>

Keith Ellison, a Minnesota Democrat and native of Detroit, took his oath on a Quran once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Prior to his taking the oath, he was criticized by Virginia Republican Virgil Goode, who warned of an influx of Muslims being elected to public office.

<...>

Of the controversy, Hirono said, "It's about time that we have people of other backgrounds and faiths in Congress. I think Keith Ellison really handled things well. I think that whole discussion, if you want to call it that, is good for our country.

"What happened to separation of church and state and religious tolerance? I believe in those things."

Huzzah!! Three cheers for Ms. Hirono!

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

Thank you for reminding all of us about some of the principles this country was founded upon.

SR

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. If I were elected to Congress I'd insist

on the CEREMONIAL and for PHOTO OP ceremony to be held in front of the Constitution. After all that is what that oath, or affirmation is taken to

After all the REAL ceremony is held en masse at the house

[Hekate]

2. 2nd R. Mazie Hirono warms my heart -- her attitude is how I best remember my home state

Aloha nui and Mahalo, Mazie.

Hekate

[loyalsister]

3. This is a national conversation we need to have

The "Jefferson Koran" is a wonderful piece of history that was just revealed.
It's one of those things that may encourage curiosity.

Combine that with this statement from an observer of Buddism and we have an opening to a discussion that may stimulate actual tolerance.

[Heidi]

4. Locking.

Duplicate of: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2676365&mesg_id=2676365

Thank you!

Heidi,
DU Moderator