Jefferson and the Koran

January 9th, 2007

Much has been said about Congressman Keith Ellison’s ceremonial swearing-in with his right hand on a copy of a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Christopher Hitchens weighs in on the brouhaha from a Jeffersonian perspective and takes Rep. Ellison to task.

For the record, the ceremonial swearing-in was just that: ceremonial. The official oath of office was taken en masse by all members of Congress, where no holy books are used.

Rep. Ellison could’ve used a stack of comic books for his photo-op with the Speaker of the House and his family for all I care; what we do know is this: Keith Maurice Ellison took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic — and faithfully carry out his legislative duties. Should he fail to keep that oath, he should be denounced as a traitorous liar and removed from office immediately.

Every Congressman and every Senator should be held to the above standard, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof).


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