-Anonymous
Is this what we pay our politicians in Washington to be doing? Rep. Mike Honda, liberal Democrat from the lost state of California, has put out this classic piece of "some of my best friends" pandering.
"Nov 16,2010 - WASHINGTON DC – Rep Honda, Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced legislation recognizing the cultural and religious significance of Eid al-Adha.
"I wish all Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world a prosperous holiday and stand with them in recognizing the importance of sacrifice, freedom, and justice. Muslim Americans contribute substantially to the success and pluralism of the United States, making significant strides in all areas of national discourse, development and diplomacy. As award-winning scientists, doctors, engineers, athletes, artists, ambassadors, and an estimated 10,000 Armed Service men and women, Muslim Americans continue to serve the greater good of our county."
Observed for more than fourteen centuries, Eid al-Adha is a holiday of great importance to millions of Muslim Americans and approximately 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of the Sacrifice, honors Abraham's symbolic sacrifice of his son to God, as referenced in the Quran, Old Testament and New Testament and is commemorated around the world by prayers, charity events and festivals.
"I am honored to join with Members from across the country to recognize the holidays of all of the great religions, and to promote interfaith dialogue within the Congress," Congressman Ellison stated. "I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution in honor of the Muslim celebration of Eid-Al Adha, a major holiday which emphasizes the importance of humility, kindness, and service," Ellison concluded.
"Eid al-Adha is a special occasion to recognize our continued commitment to God," said Congressman André Carson. "My prayers and blessings are with all the hajjis that have made the pilgrimage to Mecca this year. Eid Mubarak and may God bless you during this important time."
Specifically, Rep Honda's resolution does the following: (1) recognizes the cultural and religious significance of Eid al-Adha, (2) expresses its appreciation and respect for the contributions of Muslim Americans to our country, and (3) wishes Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world observing Eid al-Adha a prosperous holiday."
http://honda.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=991&Itemid=110
Here's another memorable statement from a "US Senator":
"Now, I just want to get this out there.. I'm proud to be able to say that some of my closest friends are Italian-Americans. They are the salt of the earth - the very bedrock of this great nation. Italian-Americans are loyal, hard-working people with great family values.. we, during these hearings, should not allow a few bad apples to spoil the pot. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to."
-Senator Pat Geary of Nevada in "Godfather Part 2"
This is what we pay all those taxes for. And this has to be written down on paper and filed somewhere in the Capitol. A hundred years from now this will be on microfiche in the National Archives.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to.
You should study the Congressional Record sometime Gary. Everyone of every political stripe, from every party, indulges in this stuff all the time. Captive Nations Day, National Dairy Goat Month, Lithuanian Easter Egg Appreciation Day, you name it, its been honored and recognized.
ReplyDeleteAny special reason you singled out someone saying a few nice words about a Muslim holiday? I know you're not against Islam, only against Muslims failing to properly criticize those who commit acts of terror in the name of Islam. So, is Eid al-Adha so bad? I made a point of buying Eid al-Adha stamps in December 2001.
Any reason you happened to pick a Democrat to exemplify this universal practice?
If we could eliminate all members of congress and the senate ever wasting time on this stuff for anyone, that would be good.
Siarlys,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to give greetings to Muslims on Eid al-Adha. We made special arrangements for our Muslim students to take the day off. I just think all these "salutes" and celebrations are not what we need our elected officials to do. Besides, it's pandering. If Honda were saluting German- English-American Appreciation Day, I would think it was pandering.
Don't forget, Mike Honda also awarded Paul Larudee, of the notorious anti-Israel group, "The International Solidarity Movement" a human rights award.
ReplyDeleteOK Gary, we're against all our elected officials wasting time pandering. I'm sure you'll give us several more examples in the near future, including some Republicans, even conservative ones. Thanks for making this clear.
ReplyDeleteSiarlys,
ReplyDeleteI could have pointed out that Honda also gave an award to those flakes in SF who take part in the Gaza flotillas, Greta Berlin and Paul Larudee.
He gave an award to Greta Berlin and Paul Larudee personally? Or to an organization that they have some association with?
ReplyDeleteAnd why are you still fixated on Honda, when we have both agreed that there are 435 people guilty of the same offense, in various shades, stripes and preoccupations?