A Muslim President

Americans have never had a problem making it clear what they want and what they don’t want. Years ago, the country wrestled with the idea of a Catholic presidential candidate named John F. Kennedy. Eventually, cooler heads determined that they young man could indeed think for himself and would not be taking orders from the Pope on how to serve the office of President. Many of those same principles have helped us vote into office a number of “different” people including the first black president. Race, color, creed, and political belief rarely have a serious impact on the capability of the individual to serve their nation and the daunting task of the Presidency.

All of that being said, one must also be aware of the all too important factor of timing. The timing of when a person can and should run for president is essential. Essential to gain political, financial, and emotional support to stay in and be victorious in such a daunting task. Some would say that the presidency is really all about acceptance by the majority but those that have studied the office as well as those that have served in it realize that it is really all about being able to represent the American people. Not just the majority but the minority as well. Insuring that every voice is heard and all are considered. Certainly not easy when a person tries to stay true to their own beliefs as well as represent those of others then not only might not agree with, but with whom they might have serious reservations about.

A Muslim president would face even greater scrutiny. Not only from every non-Muslin but from the devoted Muslims who claim the Quran directs all sort of things that would be in direct conflict with other major religions here that must be given equal representation without reservation. A Muslin president would have to defend the rights of others where it would also directly conflict with the views of Clerics who would certainly demand strict obedience to their own interpretative point of view.

So, while a Muslim certainly has every legal, ethical, and moral right to run for and hold the office, the challenges and difficulties of the same would seem to be insurmountable. We can only add that similar opinions were held against the idea of a Catholic president, yet we had a very successful one.

My own father used to always tell me that just about everything in life boils down to a matter of politics or timing. At this point in time it would certainly appear that here is a case where both politics and timing are all wrong. Perhaps in the future, a very moderate person of that faith might be able to be elected, but they would most certainly find the challenges to be great. We can only hope that we will once again see a day when all faiths are at peace with each other and such a person might be able to measure up in the eyes of the American public, but sadly, that day is not now nor does it appear that it will be in the near future.