Congressman Gerry Connolly Stands up For Islam

About a week ago, Pat Robertson stated that Islam is a "violent political system."



He happens to be correct, but as usual one of our politicians has to come running to stand up for a religion/political system that they know little about.

Virginia's 11Th District Congressman Gerry Connolly (D), has issued this statement calling for Pat Robertson to apologize for his comments about Islam.

“In the week since Mr. Robertson’s statement that Islam is ‘not a religion’ but a ‘violent political system’ whose adherents should be treated like members of the communist or fascist party, I have heard from hundreds of outraged Northern Virginians – Muslim and non-Muslim. Here in the 11Th Congressional District of Virginia and, in fact, across our Commonwealth, Muslim-Americans are a vibrant part of our communities. They serve in our nation’s military, contribute to our economic growth, and in myriad other ways, help form the diverse tapestry that is Virginia in the 21st century.

“Some will dismiss Mr. Robertson’s comments as the strange ramblings of a man stuck in a bygone era. But when a prominent Virginian chooses to engage in hate-filled rhetoric that divides us and has the potential to fuel real discord in our polity, leaders cannot remain silent. That is why I am calling on Mr. Robertson to apologize to my constituents – Muslim and non-Muslim – for the hurt he has caused and the damage he has done. It is a week overdue.”

Of course Robertson should never apologize for speaking the truth. But I was curious if the Congressman had any sound evidence to back up his statement. So I called his Washington DC office today.

When I called a staff member named Nick answered. I stated that I am calling in regards to the Congressman telling Robertson to apologize and why does he believe that Robertson's comments were not accurate? I mentioned this site, what is was about and if I could ask a few questions. Nick stated that he didn't know about the issue, but he would write down the questions and give them to the Congressman.

These were the three questions.

1. The"Justice" chapter of Reliance of the Traveller
A Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law, describes Jihad as the following.

o9.0 JIHAD
(O: Jihad means to war against non-Muslims, and it etymologically derived from the word mujahada, signifying warfare to establish the religion. And it is the lesser jihad.

Does the Congressman think that this is non-violent?

2. The Congressman spoke of division. Koran verse 9:29 specifically calls for Muslims to dominate and extort non-Muslims (jizya). Is that not division?

009.029
YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.


3. Congressman Connolly mentioned "hate-filled rhetoric" coming from Robertson. Saying that he "hurt" Muslims. I stated that under Islam, Jesus will come back as a Muslim and destroy Christianity. I am "hurt" and "offended", will Connolly make a statement against Islam now?

Of course he will not, but we have to pressure our politicians and let them know that Muslims are not the only ones living here. As for staff member Nick, he was very polite and interested in what I had to say. He said that I shall receive an answer in the mail. I wouldn't be holding my breath though.