Lawmaker Apologizes for Muslim Remarks

[Hollow Shells]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Rep. Bill Sali has apologized to a Muslim colleague for remarks suggesting the nation's founders never intended for Muslims to serve in Congress.

In an Aug. 8 interview with the conservative Christian-based American Family News Network, Sali also questioned the wisdom of Senate leaders, who last month invited a Hindu clergyman to give the morning prayer in the chamber.

''We have not only a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate, we have a Muslim member of the House of Representatives now, Keith Ellison from Minnesota. Those are changes -- and they are not what was envisioned by the Founding Fathers,'' Sali said, according to an article on the network's Web site.

The comments drew criticism from liberal bloggers and Idaho Democrats. Former Idaho Democratic congressman Richard Stallings called for Sali to either apologize or resign.

http://www.gopusa.com/news/2007/august/0820_muslim_remarks.shtml

More at link, such as this gem: "Sali drew criticism last year for linking abortion to breast cancer rates during debates on the House floor."

[yellowcanine]

1. The breast cancer - abortion "link" is an old RW fundy Christian canard.

I believe that Ricky Santorum liked to use at as well. But you gotta remember, as Garrison Keillor is fond of saying, that "these are the same people who think that Noah and his family rode to church on a dinosaur."