"From the history books I learned that in years past nations were ruled by Popes and great battles were fought between Christians and Muslims. Now let me see; on which side were the infidels? No matter how it is sugarcoated, there is still a war going on between Christians and Muslims.

One would be a fool to believe that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are political wars only. It seems that the enemy of the Americans is using religious battle cries of Jihad or God is Great before pulling the switch on their suicide belts. Their martyrdom opens the gates of Heaven to them immediately.

And yet the reasons the suicide bombers kill and maim are firmly rooted in politics because, in their minds, religion and politics cannot be separated. In the lands where Mullahs rule, the politics of the nation are solidly based upon religious beliefs. In other words, the laws of politics are the laws of the Quran.

Ironically, in America, we now are faced with a leadership that leans heavily upon religious convictions when making political decisions. President George W. Bush publicly flaunts his deep religious feelings perhaps assuming that all Americans believe exactly as he feels. And once again we are observing the infringement upon the rights of individuals by those who believe that the laws of the land should be based upon the laws of the Bible. Should our laws be based on the Bible just as the laws of Islam are based upon the Quran?

Even in a sparsely populated state like South Dakota the religious right has assumed control of the legislative body and too often inserts its religious opinions into legal or political decisions. In America a “red state” can be labeled as “God fearing,” while a “blue state” can be accused of being “Godless.” When did this Nation come to this ridiculous condition?"

Get the Story:
Tim Giago: Notes from Indian Country (The Native American Times 1/23)

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