GENEVA — Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population.
1. Comment by Don R. (gawalt)— November 30,2009 @ 6:30AM
13. Comment by Jim N. (1685)— November 30,2009 @ 9:37AM
Ratings:-9+24
Good for the Swiss. The people here and in Europe know that "diversity" is not good for them. The elites should stop trying to force their ideals on the people and grow some brains.
Nita
14. Comment by Thomas M. (justsomeguy)— November 30,2009 @ 9:37AM
Ratings:-4+14
And, please forgive me Kenneth, it's Hamtramck. Back on topic, here we go again. Demonstrations will escalate, be quashed, re-ignite into more violent protests, guns will be drawn, people will die, all in the name of...who?
17. Comment by Tom b. (Unhyphenated American)— November 30,2009 @ 10:01AM
Ratings:-1+15
#15 Well God bless their little hearts. God Speed to them. Hopefully the Constitution is their saving grace.
The fact that they are trying to use the Constitution to try and remove religion from society is laughable. The fact that religious people are fearful of them is even more laughable. They have no power over you person lives or beliefs. If it is about having a Christmas tree at the office, who cares. That does not make me believe in God anymore or less. If you feel your religious freedoms are violated because you cannot have a manger scene at City hall, then make a spectacular one in front of your church or in front of your home.
Truth is atheist have no power to take your beliefs away. Granted some of them have a stick up their butts when you say bless you or God forbid 'God Bless you' when they sneeze, but for the most part they are kinda boring.
19. Comment by Robert S. (rstar1)— November 30,2009 @ 10:37AM
Ratings:-2+23
"Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic"
Doesn't feel so good when it's directed at your religion does it?
Seems to me that those brainwashed masses who practice the muslim religion are the most biased and absolutely intolerant of all other religions, and the infidels who follow them, on the planet!
20. Comment by Bill T. (5942)— November 30,2009 @ 10:59AM
Ratings:-4+12
Biased? That's like being "biased" against the repeat offending child molester who lives in your neighborhood. No... the term is experienced. Anti-Islamic? Yeah well, that's the result of our experience.
This reminds me of the anti-Soviet sentiment of the 50's - 80's. We were convinced they had deep-cover agents planted here for years, ready to surface when ordered and sabotage America's ability to defend itself. It was a little paranoid, but then when a shadowy villain IS out to get you, you're allowed to be.
I'd renew the call for all these "good, peaceful" Muslims to join us and rise up in opposition to their violent fundmentalist factions, but then we don't seem to be making much of an effort to dispatch OUR right wing fundamentalist factions ourselves.
21. Comment by Rich K. (Rich907)— November 30,2009 @ 12:32PM
Ratings:-1+12
Re #7
When you quote the First Amendment you need to get the words right. The actual language is "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or restricting the free exercise thereof..."
This is generally taken to mean that there shall be no official state religion and that there is a separation between church and state.
Congress can restrict the right to practice religion. They have done it more than once...think Mormons and polygamy. There are other examples...like religions that use illegal drugs as part of their sacrament. The SCOTUS has upheld such laws.
22. Comment by Joseph C. (Arafel)— November 30,2009 @ 12:40PM
Ratings:-1+11
The Swiss did not vote to ban mosque, just the construction of minarets attached to the mosque.
However, I am sure that this vote carried a lot of symbolism for the voters.
Now contrast what the Swiss voters did to what the Saudi do.
In Saudi Arabia no Christian or Jewish places of worship are allowed.
Holding bible readings in a private home are criminal acts.
I don't see the media wringing their collective hands over the Saudi's war against the non-Islamic faiths.
26. Comment by Bruno O. (one.bruno)— November 30,2009 @ 9:48PM
Ratings:-0+0
I would say the muslims have a political agenda which IS a threat to European democracy. It's not about religion. A European friend told me that the muslims are marrying European citizens to have children and gain citizenship. It is a growing problem.
Our country is threatened in much the same way by the illegal alien problem.
After all the blood sweat and tears spent to build Europe and the US these foreigners are going to try to build political bases to change our countries-and not for the good.
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Swiss vote to ban minarets is protested
GENEVA — Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population.Report this comment
This is just sad.
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what's so sad, Don? A recognition of reality?
Tell you what - go find a cross on display in Saudia Arabia or any of a long list of Arab countries and we can talk.
It's about time someone put a fork in this stupid "diversity" pig.
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But the Swiss ban on minarets, sponsored by the country's largest political party, was one of the most extreme reactions.
No it is an act of self defense. An act America would be wise emulate
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Good for the Swiss! This is a vote that women, gays and non-Muslims around the world should applaud.
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I don't see anyone protesting the lack of diversity and lack of religious tolerance in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, etc.
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#4 "An act America would be wise emulate "
That would be unconstitutional. Rememeber the part about "congreess shall make no laws restricting religion"
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re: Tell you what - go find a cross on display in Saudia Arabia or any of a long list of Arab countries and we can talk. <<
I don't think these are countries we should be emulating.
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I love those little puppets. LOL.
Seriously, I don't see what the big deal is. I saw the biggest Mosque ever in Toledo, OH. Having a building is not the same as having Sharia Law.
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#9-At least for right now...Give them time-Just look at Daerborn and Hamtramick Michigan.
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Oops-Meant DEARBORN..
A little lysdeslic this morning.
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Too bad we can't get rid of religions in America. Disgusting organizations.
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Good for the Swiss. The people here and in Europe know that "diversity" is not good for them. The elites should stop trying to force their ideals on the people and grow some brains.
Nita
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And, please forgive me Kenneth, it's Hamtramck. Back on topic, here we go again. Demonstrations will escalate, be quashed, re-ignite into more violent protests, guns will be drawn, people will die, all in the name of...who?
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#7. Regardless of what the Constitution states, athiests are still fighting to get rid of religion in all aspects of society.
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Congratulations to the Swiss voters - they are taking back their country. Something more Democratic countries should do.
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#15 Well God bless their little hearts. God Speed to them. Hopefully the Constitution is their saving grace.
The fact that they are trying to use the Constitution to try and remove religion from society is laughable. The fact that religious people are fearful of them is even more laughable. They have no power over you person lives or beliefs. If it is about having a Christmas tree at the office, who cares. That does not make me believe in God anymore or less. If you feel your religious freedoms are violated because you cannot have a manger scene at City hall, then make a spectacular one in front of your church or in front of your home.
Truth is atheist have no power to take your beliefs away. Granted some of them have a stick up their butts when you say bless you or God forbid 'God Bless you' when they sneeze, but for the most part they are kinda boring.
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Obviously, the minirets represent something the swiss do not like. Anti-semetism, oppression of women, Jihad, haterid of gays, etc.
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"Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic"
Doesn't feel so good when it's directed at your religion does it?
Seems to me that those brainwashed masses who practice the muslim religion are the most biased and absolutely intolerant of all other religions, and the infidels who follow them, on the planet!
Report this comment
Biased? That's like being "biased" against the repeat offending child molester who lives in your neighborhood. No... the term is experienced. Anti-Islamic? Yeah well, that's the result of our experience.
This reminds me of the anti-Soviet sentiment of the 50's - 80's. We were convinced they had deep-cover agents planted here for years, ready to surface when ordered and sabotage America's ability to defend itself. It was a little paranoid, but then when a shadowy villain IS out to get you, you're allowed to be.
I'd renew the call for all these "good, peaceful" Muslims to join us and rise up in opposition to their violent fundmentalist factions, but then we don't seem to be making much of an effort to dispatch OUR right wing fundamentalist factions ourselves.
Report this comment
Re #7
When you quote the First Amendment you need to get the words right. The actual language is "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or restricting the free exercise thereof..."
This is generally taken to mean that there shall be no official state religion and that there is a separation between church and state.
Congress can restrict the right to practice religion. They have done it more than once...think Mormons and polygamy. There are other examples...like religions that use illegal drugs as part of their sacrament. The SCOTUS has upheld such laws.
Report this comment
The Swiss did not vote to ban mosque, just the construction of minarets attached to the mosque.
However, I am sure that this vote carried a lot of symbolism for the voters.
Now contrast what the Swiss voters did to what the Saudi do.
In Saudi Arabia no Christian or Jewish places of worship are allowed.
Holding bible readings in a private home are criminal acts.
I don't see the media wringing their collective hands over the Saudi's war against the non-Islamic faiths.
Report this comment
Rich & Joseph: Good, well thought out arguments. That's what we need more of.
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14. Comment by Thomas M. (justsomeguy) — November 30,2009 @ 9:37AM
Ratings: -3 +11
And, please forgive me Kenneth, it's Hamtramck
.............
You are correct. Thank you.
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#20 Our right wing fundamentalists don't generally go around blowing innocent people up .. Big difference
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I would say the muslims have a political agenda which IS a threat to European democracy. It's not about religion. A European friend told me that the muslims are marrying European citizens to have children and gain citizenship. It is a growing problem.
Our country is threatened in much the same way by the illegal alien problem.
After all the blood sweat and tears spent to build Europe and the US these foreigners are going to try to build political bases to change our countries-and not for the good.
Report this comment