Sweet Snarky Serenity

Did you know that the United States has a Commission on International Religious Freedom?

Apparently it was created out of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the panel issues a report of the worst international oppressors of religious freedom annually. When a country is identified in the report as CPC (countries of particular concern) our Secretary of State has some policy options available to address these concerns, including sanctions.

You can view the CPCs here. Now my sweet, snarky, and yes, even twisty mind is wondering why the US isn't on that list.

Okay, okay, the countries on that list are unarguably more religiously oppressive than our own (and I am certainly not making light of the oppression present in those countries but bringing to your attention a little bit of apparent hypocrisy) but, I will argue that there are those among us who are pretty darn limited in their view of who "religious freedom" applies to. Since 9/11 there has been a surge of anti-Islam sentiment in our nation. I even received anti-Islam propaganda from military co-workers, I guess they forgot that there are American Muslims fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq right along side Christian, and even Pagan, military personnel.

We should remember that this country was colonized by Europeans seeking religious freedom. It would be a shame to dishonor their progress by resorting to the oppression of our countrymen.

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.

-Sinclair Lewis (1935, It Can't Happen Here...allegedly, I've purchased the book just now and will let you know as soon as I have a chance to personally verify, if you have a copy and can check real quick-like that'd be great too!)

Sidhe The Wandering Elf
AWOP Contributor
Author of Musings of a Wandering Elf Blog

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Peace Y'all