Shootings at a Temple Test the Founding Faith of America

[xchrom]

http://www.thenation.com/blog/169242/shootings-temple-test-founding-faith-america

President Obama echoed the sentiments of the essential founder of the American experiment in his response to Sunday's horrific killings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

"As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship," said Obama, "we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family."

That notion of the Sikh community as "part of our broad American family" is not a new one. Sikhs have been a part of the American religious fabric for the better part of two centuries.

The members of this religion, which preaches tolerance and places high emphasis the protection of the religious and political rights of all people, fit comfortably within the Jeffersonian ideal of religious diversity and regard for genuine religious freedom.

[handmade34]

1. "...it's about the environment we've (the United States) created..."

said by Nariander Singh from the Sikh Coalition...


I just want to say I blame all the people that work to divide us... right wing politicians, the media, corporations, anyone who talks about "the other"

I am angry that society has not progressed even though many of us have tried so hard to to fight the hate, apathy and sterotypes that abound out there...

[cali]

2. It's true that the Sikh community is part of the broader American community

but because I was curious about the statement by Mr. Nichols that Sikhs have been part of the American fabric "for the better part of two centuries", I did some basic research. That, evidently, is not true. It's the better part of one century. Why does it matter? Because facts matter in journalism.

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-heritage/5753-history-of-sikh-diaspora-canada-usa.html

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. Sikhs have been a part of the American populace for more than 130 years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism_in_the_United_States#First_immigrants

[Evasporque]

3. Keywords: "genuine religious freedom" -- not justicifaction of personal predjudice....nt