How much respect?

The President gives a speech on Ellis Island. Among other things, he says:

America strives to be tolerant and just. We respect the faith of Islam, even as we fight those whose actions defile that faith.

Really? Polygyny is a significant element within Islam. When put to the test, does this country respect polygyny? (Ask the Mormons)

While looking up references to Islam/polygyny, we found the following item at the Saudi-supported Religion of Islam website:

The present Western society, which permits free sex between consenting adults, has given rise to an abundance of irresponsible sexual relationships, an abundance of “fatherless” children, many unmarried teenage mothers; all becoming a burden on the country's welfare system. In part, such an undesirable welfare burden has given rise to a bloated budget deficit which even an economically powerful country like the United States cannot accommodate. Bloated budget deficit has become a political football which is affecting the political system of the United States.

In short, we find that artificially established monogamy has become a factor in ruining the family structure, and the social, economic and political systems of the country.

Conservatives like programs that reduce the number of fatherless children, reduce the number of unmarried teenage mothers, and lower welfare rolls (are you listening Kaus?). So, should polygyny be part of a Faith Based Program, supported by Bush?
posted by Quiddity at 9/12/2002 06:20:00 AM