Riehl World View: The Myth Of Jefferson's Koran

Riehl World View has an "analysis" of Thomas Jefferson's relationship to Islam. As we learned through Representative Ellison, Jefferson once owned a Qu'ran, which Ellison used in his post-swear in photo op. Then, despite owning a Qu'ran, President Jefferson sent the US navy against the Barbary Pirates, who were Muslims. Riehl apparently feels this is an important point. "The reality ... is that Jefferson waged war against Islam ... long after having read their book." OK, thank you for playing.

I don't really understand the point Riehl is trying to make. Of course, I really don't get the stupid uproar over Ellison having his picture taking with a Qu'ran, either. It all seems so stupid. Lots of Christians get their picture taken with a Bible after being sworn in, and Jews with a Tanahk. So why can't a Muslim have one with his religion's book? Talk about a tempest in a tea cup.

Riehl seems to be trying to make the point that while Jefferson may have owned a Qu'ran (and a slave or two, or many more), he still defended American security. Doesn't that show the obvious point that owning a Qu'ran and defending the country are not mutually exclusive things. Then what's he so upset about with Ellison?

(In the interest of full disclosure, I must publicly admit I have a Qu'ran. Actually, I think I own two. They are buried somewhere in my basement. I've even read the first chapter or two of it. They were sent to me by a Muslim with whom I had been having a very civil discussion on some newsgroup many years ago. Yet again, I've probably ruined my chances at the presidency.)