Fundimentalists Disrupt Hindu Prayer

The U.S. Senate made history yesterday when the opening prayer, given at the start of every day in the Senate chambers, was offered by Rajan Zed, a Hindu from Reno, Nevada. The sad news is that as Mr. Zed (pictured on the right) approached the podium dressed in traditional Hindu robes, three Christian fundamentalists in the gallery began yelling "This is an abomination". One of them offered a 'prayer', which contained the following: "Lord Jesus, forgive us father for allowing a prayer of the wicked, which is an abomination in your sight". The protesters were arrested and forcibly removed from the Senate chambers. While being dragged/carried out of the chambers, they yelled "We are Christians and patriots".

The intolerance of these protesters amazes me. These whack-o's seem to think that because most of America is monotheistic, there is something morally wrong with a polytheist offering a prayer in the Senate. Most Hindus, just like most Christians, most Jews, and most Muslims believe in a moral code that promotes peace, moral behavior, and kindness - all things we should want more of in this country. From a governmental standpoint, we shouldn't care what brand of religious philosophy (or lack thereof) leads people to do good so long as it leads them to do good. I personally feel that the government should encourage all moral religions (that excludes groups like Christian and Muslim extremists or cults) because in my experience all moral religions that I have experience with help people to become better. Sure there are extremists who make religion look bad, but for the most part, religion has improved the morals and lives of those it has touched.

I say let Hindus, Buddhists, Native American religious leaders, and any other moral religious figures pray in the Senate. If their belief in their God or Gods leads them to do good, our nation could use more of it.

More on this incident can be found in articles by the Washington Post and the Times of India.