The Treaty of what now?

I'm going to be honest here and say that I know I learned this in school, but it's extremely vague in my memory. It was probably important at the time, but...come on. It wasn't the American Revolution, it wasn't the Louisiana Purchase, and it wasn't even close to the Civil War. How the hell was I supposed to remember the Treaty of Tripoli?? Let alone know that the Senate's ratification of the treaty was only the third recorded unanimous vote of 339 taken.

But that's the funny thing about History. It's always there, and it never goes away.

So when Obama says that while we are a nation predominantly populated by Christians, America is not a Christian Nation, he's backed up by facts.

And here they are:

The most striking is the Treaty of Tripoli, ratified by the U.S. Senate in 1797. Article 11 states: "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 [sic], of Mussulmen [Muslims]; and, as the said States never have 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."

That bears repeating: The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

That's not mincing words. And neither is this:



(hat tip: tuesdaysblog)