An Open Letter To Congressman Keith Ellison

This morning, I received an email from Congressman Keith Ellison by way of the DCCC. It reads as follows.
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This morning, I received an email from Congressman Keith Ellison by way of the DCCC. It reads as follows.

Dear Fred,

I'm a Muslim. That's why I'm asking you to take a stand. Demand Trump apologize to the Khans today.

I'm an American. I'm a Member of Congress and I am livid after seeing Donald Trump's attack on the Gold Star Khan family.

How can he question a mother's pain after her son is killed in combat? How can he imply her religion -- not her grief -- kept her from speaking to millions of Americans on national TV?

Fred, I'm asking you to unite with me and sign the petition demanding Trump apologize to the Gold Star Khan family.

This moment is too important to stay silent. Trump's insults are not just an assault on one family. He's attacking millions of Muslims like me and if we shrug this off as just another gaffe from Trump, folks across this country will think there is nothing wrong with this blatant discrimination. We can't let that happen. Demand Trump apologize to the Khans

Thanks,
Congressman Keith Ellison

Here is my response.

Keith,

I share your outrage and repulsion at the comments of Donald Trump. He should certainly apologize. However, since you put the issue before me, I have a question for you and other practicing Muslims.

In your private life, do you elevate adherence to any aspect of your religious law (Sharia law) above any aspect of the American Constitution or constitutionally protected laws?

Many immigrants of your faith become American citizens and then, after swearing an oath to the Constitution, immediately begin to practice certain aspects of Sharia law in their local communities and in other cases, attempt to supplant local laws with Sharia laws.

The Muslim faith clearly defines moral and religious law as infallible and superior to laws created by American citizens. Therefore, at its core, strict adherence to the Muslim faith prevents strict adherence the American Constitution. This is the 800 pound gorilla in your room.

The American Constitution only implies separation of Church and State but the 1st Amendment makes it perfectly clear that your faith can be freely practiced in America and Congress can make no law prohibiting it.

This creates an irresolvable paradox that democrats refuse to confront. When this sort of religious freedom is viewed objectively, it becomes obvious that as more Sharia law is practiced, Constitutionally protected freedoms will be eroded.

We can certainly agree that Donald Trump is unfit to serve as President and each time he opens his mouth, he reinforces his mental instability and probable incompetence.

We can also agree that if elected, Donald Trump would be a menace to society and would likely erode 200 year old Constitutionally protected freedoms.

Donald Trump's comments notwithstanding, a serious and very rational question regarding your faith lurks within Trump's irrational rants and confused rhetoric.

This question is very simple. Can practicing Muslims who adhere to Sharia Law also be patriotic American citizen? For many non-Muslims, this question remains unanswered.

Sincerely,

Fred Lundgren
Katy, Texas

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