Hmm, how should a nation square its mainstream prejudice against Muslims with that damn "freedom of religion" right in the Constitution? Tennessee Lieutenant Gov. Ron Ramsey, currently running for governor, suggests that maybe they're not a "religion" anyway! Perfect.

Much like New York City, Tennessee is working its way through an odious, Al Qaeda-helping controversy over whether Muslims should be allowed to build a community center there. But perhaps we must sympathize with the raw feelings that Tennesseeans have over the events of 9/11/2001 that occurred hundreds or thousands of miles away from them.

We must sympathize with this man, for example, who asks Ron Ramsey the following question (starting around 3:10): "We've got a threat that's invading our country from the Muslims. What's your stand?" He's just got some raw feelings, you guys.

After explaining the background of the "Tennessee Mosque" controversy for everyone, Ramsey gives his "stand":

"Now, you know, I'm all about freedom of religion. I value the First Amendment as much as I value the Second Amendment as much as I value the Tenth Amendment and on and on and on," he said. "But you cross the line when they try to start bringing Sharia Law here to the state of Tennessee — to the United States. We live under our Constitution and they live under our Constitution."

He added in an email to TPM:

"My concern is that far too much of Islam has come to resemble a violent political philosophy more than peace-loving religion," he said in an email. "It's time for American Muslims who love this country to publicly renounce violent jihadism and to drum those who seek to do America harm out of their faith community."

Aww, he's just got some raw feelings from 9/11/2001. Everyone needs to understand. It's time for American Muslims who love this country to give him a sponge bath and some chocolates, as an apology, every day. Then maybe, maybe he'll let them keep their "Islam" thingy.

[via Nashville Scene]