Defense Secretary Leon Panetta honored Muslim Americans who have been fighting for America on the front lines at the Pentagon’s Iftar last night.
“I’m pleased that there are many senior government officials from the Pentagon and from the Department who are here and who participate in this dinner,” he said. “…We’re grateful to be able to host this Iftar dinner at the Pentagon and share in one of the great traditions of the Muslim faith.”
Panetta thanked the chaplains for “maintaining a very important interfaith sanctuary for the Pentagon, for this Department, and for this community.”
He compared the experience of Muslims coming to America with his parents coming over from Italy. “In this country, my parents knew that they could find the freedom to be able to not only hold onto their faith, but to pass their faith on to their children and so my brother and I were raised as Catholics because my parents had a deep faith in Catholic religion,” the defense secretary said. “Like millions of others – including Muslim Americans – my parents were drawn to this country because they knew they would have the freedom to practice their faith.”
Panetta gave a special welcome to guest Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), one of two Muslims serving in Congress. “We appreciate the opportunity to be able to sit with you and for this evening be able to share your faith,” he said.
“So, as we take part in this Iftar let us celebrate a great religion,” Panetta said. “…Ramadan Kareem, thank you all for being here tonight and may God bless you.”
‘The defense secretary continued “Thank you President Obama for attacking and attempting to destroy the institutions of the Catholic religion, which my parents loved so much. Remember, anyone of any, any faith may use the interfaith sanctuary – as long as you agree that your only king is Ceasar.”‘
Of course, the dhimmis won’t thank the Christians or Jews to have risked life and limb to keep this country safe. I cannot begin to imagine how the supposedly rational people can continue to bend over backwards doing everything they can to denigrate themselves. Treat equally is one thing. But to give them extra “cred” over others is ridiculous. If Obama is re-elected will we see the same treatment of Christians and Jews here that we see in the land of peace and brotherhood?
Can’t find the exact transcription, but this famous exchange happened in 1945 shortly after Eisenhower returned to the US after VE Day, in which a room full of reporters — including a black female reporter — were questioning him:
Black Female Reporter: Sir, how did the negro soldiers under your command perform in battle?
Eisenhower: All the soldiers under my command performed bravely and gallantly.
Black Female Reporter: But specifically, how about the negro soldiers? Were they brave?
Eisenhower: I don’t distinguish among my soldiers according to race or religion. They’re all heroes. Next question.”