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With the 2008 election of Barack Hussein Obama to the highest office in the land, we have had a daily "sermon" from the Oval Office and this administration regarding the Islamic faith. The homilies delivered can generally be organized in a few folders: "Islam is a sister faith", "Islam is a religion of love", "Don't jump to conclusions at a terrorist attack", and "Islam played an integral part in the founding of America".

To be honest, the "Islam is a sister faith" and "religion of love" message was mentioned by George W. Bush immediately following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 when he was president, and though it seemed intended to be a healing message, I totally disagreed with the message. But now more strident messages about Islam have become a continual mantra, similar to a daily jungle drumbeat under Obama. So what are we to make of these pro-Islamic homilies we continually receive? How firmly are we to embrace this Qur'an which Obama often quotes, referring to it as "scripture?"

Let's begin our answers with where we are. Most Americans today lack even the most basic of facts or knowledge about Islam, its practices, its Qur'an (Koran), or even Mohammed, the founder of this so-called "religion." If you consider yourself a more avid student of history and of our times, you might offer the conjecture that Obama himself is a Muslim, or follower of Islam. Given that as just a remote possibility, there are horrible consequences brought on it would seem when a Muslim is called on to swear to protect the Constitution. Ideologies do matter when it comes to protecting our way of life and the U.S. Constitution. You might even be a consolidator stating openly, "I don't care what someone in government believes, just as long as it doesn't raise the cost of my electric bill." So with all this said, does it really matter what our president, or other elected officials profess as their faith when swearing to protect and live by the U.S. Constitution?

I think it does. Islam and its Qur'an stand against, not for, our Constitution; they do not go hand in hand. Let me illustrate.

In 2006, Keith Ellison of Minnesota became the first "publicly-professing" Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress. (Notice I said self-professing, for I put Barack Obama in the category of being a Muslim, though he has not "self-professed" it.) As the Detroit Free Press reported about Ellison by Niraj Warikoo on December 25-26, 2006, Ellison told his supporters at a rally, "...you can't back down. You can't chicken out. You can't be afraid. You got to have faith in Allah, and you've got to stand up and be a real Muslim."

It is interesting that Ellison said very little publicly about being a Muslim while he campaigned, but "came out of the closet" after being elected. He did go on to tell his really supporters, "...we're going to continue to face them. They are not going to stop right away. But if you, and me too, stick together, if we believe in Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, if we turn to our Qur'an for guidance, we'll find an answer for the questions we have."

Keith Ellison took his oath of office to protect the U.S. Constitution holding his hand on the Qur'an. One is urged to ask "What answers and guidance will he get by turning to this Qur'an?" as he stated. Certainly the same question should go for Barack Obama as he has referenced the Qur'an as "scripture" on several occasions. An inquiring mind will find some very disconcerting facts within the verses of this "book of guidance." Take these for example:

Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians as your friends. (Sura 5:51)

Infidels are those who declare "God is the Christ, the son of Mary." (Sura 5:47)

Infidels are those that say "God is one of three in a trinity." (Sura 5:73)

Make war with the infidels who dwell around you. (Sura 9:123)

The infidels are your sworn enemies. (Sura 9:123)

When you meet the infidel in the battlefield, strike off their heads. (Sura 47:4)

Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the infidels. (Sura 48:29)

Prophet, make war on the infidels. (Sura 66:9)

Kill the disbelievers wherever we find them. (Sura 2:191)

The only reward for those who make war upon Allah and his messenger....will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. (Sura 5:33)

Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the last day, nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the jizya, with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. (Sura 9:29)

Therefore when ye meet the unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly on them (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom. (Sura 47:40

Believers, do not make friends with those who have incurred the wrath of Allah. (Sura 60:13)

Never be a helper to the disbelievers. (Sura 28:86)

These are a few of the many verses which should cause the reader some consternation. After reading them, ask yourself some basic questions. Is Islam a peaceful religion? Can the Qur'an and its followers really support the Constitution? Possibly some due diligence in examining the track record of Islam's performance in the past (will produce) get some clues. Also look at how the Qur'an has been interpreted both by followers and non-followers in the past. After all, the best way to perceive behavior is to check behavior. So let's check...