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For those who say America is founded on Christian principles, let us consider the Treaty of Tripoli.
Now this is the first treaty between a Muslim Ruler and the USA.
There were pirates attacking American ships in the area. America wanted to establish a treaty with the Sultan of Tripoli, to tell them to not support the pirates. Signed and ratified in June 7, 1797. Only the THIRD time a treaty was unanimously agreed upon.
There is a phrase that is really important to remember in this treaty.
Article 11.
Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
Mussulmen is a kind way of saying Mohammedan.
Keep in mind that this was ratified by the VERY people who wrote and signed the constitution, and it passed unanimously.
EDIT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tripoli
Now this is the first treaty between a Muslim Ruler and the USA.
There were pirates attacking American ships in the area. America wanted to establish a treaty with the Sultan of Tripoli, to tell them to not support the pirates. Signed and ratified in June 7, 1797. Only the THIRD time a treaty was unanimously agreed upon.
There is a phrase that is really important to remember in this treaty.
Article 11.
Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
Mussulmen is a kind way of saying Mohammedan.
Keep in mind that this was ratified by the VERY people who wrote and signed the constitution, and it passed unanimously.
EDIT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tripoli