Exclusive: Tillerson declines to host Ramadan event at State Department

[Calista241]

Source: Reuters

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has declined a request to host an event to mark Islam's holy month of Ramadan, two U.S. officials said, apparently breaking with a bipartisan tradition in place with few exceptions for nearly 20 years.

Since 1999, Republican and Democratic secretaries of state have nearly always hosted either an iftar dinner to break the day's fast during Ramadan or a reception marking the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the month, at the State Department.

Tillerson turned down a request from the State Department's Office of Religion and Global Affairs to host an Eid al-Fitr reception as part of Ramadan celebrations, said two U.S. officials who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

According to an April 6 memo seen by Reuters, the office - which typically initiates such events - recommended that Tillerson hold an Eid al-Fitr reception.

Read more: http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN18M2IE

[riversedge]

1. ......"We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr,....

I think it is bad judgment on part of the WH to not attend the service.

BTW--This is what the WH said yesterday at the big meeting on climate change--We are exploring options--Trump would not commit to standing by the Paris agreement


......"We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. U.S. ambassadors are encouraged to celebrate Ramadan through a variety of activities, which are held annually at missions around the world."

[Amimnoch]

2. I'm alright with this, but do wish it was applied equally.

With regards to our Ambassadors and embassies around the globe adhering to and respecting the cultural and religious predispositions of the countries in which they reside and represent our interests is within a reasonable scope of diplomacy.

However, I've long had a problem with our executive leadership, including the department heads endorsing and taking part in religious based ceremonies. It just shouldn't be a part of their scope, and costs given our purported secular constitutional stance.

Now, if only they would be less hypocritical and stop trying to perpetuate the lie that we are a Christian nation, and reinforcing it with the shameless single sided endorsements of the Christian high holidays.

[ucrdem]

3. He didn't mind sword dancing with the Saudis.

He'd better do this.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. They really don't give a damn about

what they consider "mundane" and "routine" outreach to the American citizenry through these types of events. Witness the fiasco of the annual Easter Egg Roll that was hastily thrown together at the last minute.

They are all using the office of the Presidency to advance their business dealings and enrich themselves and nothing more... other than reluctantly allowing the GOP establishment to use them as puppets to enact their failed policies and draconian legislation.

[maxrandb]

5. I'm sure there are no Muslim American employees at the State Dept

Will they cancel the annual Christmas party too?

[BumRushDaShow]

7. And if there were

they would be fired as part of a new "Muslin' (sic)" ban anyway. Because you know, "terrorists" cannot be tolerated in the federal government.

[Paladin]

6. Tillerson to ISIS: Please terrorize us.

Stupid fucker.

[karynnj]

8. I suspect this is more about the Trump base than concern about being seen to engage with Muslims

Remember that Trump did not show at the Seder in the White House, though they had one. It is interesting that the Trump excuse is to point to his Saudi Arabia trip.

This is fascinating as they really seem to have - maybe alone - bought their own frame for the beginning of Trump's trip, where - per the Trump spokespeople - he engaged the three great Abrahamic relations in their "homes". Ignoring that many Christians see themselves as very different than Catholics, that Netanyahu is really not a spiritual leader of Judaism, and while the Saud royal family sees themselves as the protectors of Mecca, they are more the political than the religious leaders. In reality, this was a not a trip to honor spiritual traditions of the Abrahamic faith.

In Saudi Arabia, Trump led a large group of Sunni government leaders and seemed to do two main things -- make a deal to sell Saudi Arabia US weapons and to verbally lead a fight against Iran. Neither of these have much to do with Islam and I doubt he learned much about it. In Israel, he simply muddled everyone's view of what his positions are on every issue, while arguing that he was the best one to make the ultimate deal. His trip to both of these countries was political - and it should have been. The third piece, the meeting with Pope Francis COULD have continued the relationship that existed where the Vatican's diplomats worked with us on issues of agreement -- if there are any with the Trump agenda.

There was a very diplomatic article written by Shaun Casey, who led the Office of Religion and global affairs under Kerry. Without hammering the point, Casey describes how Trump's preparation on religious issues were three one pagers, one on each event. https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/05/24/i-counseled-john-kerry-on-religious-affairs-trump-has-no-idea-what-hes-doing/?utm_term=.657eaf4dede9 The article was written before the meeting with Pope Francis. He had a nice description on the little know US and Vatican record of working together on issues where we were of the same opinion.

It is sad that an almost 20 year tradition probably both showed honor to Islam and likely taught many top diplomats something about Islam will not happen this year. Ironically, the top diplomat might need that experience more than any past diplomat. However, its function of demonstrating respect for Islam is likely not one that could succeed anyway - as a ceremonial meal can not wipe out two high profile attempts designed to keep Muslims out of the country - in addition to Trump's own despicable comments during the election.

[Calista241]

10. I dunno, i think he's just being a dick.

I didn't know the state dept had a dinner at the conclusion of Ramadan. And i follow politics. Nobody would have known about this if they didn't make a stink about it. Trump has gotten all the credit with his base he needs with his fake, highly public travel ban attempts.

[They_Live]

9. "I don't have time for that,

I'm eating a sandwich made out of babies."

[Honeycombe8]

11. I didn't know we did that.

Why would we do that? Why would the govt get involved in dinners honoring religions? Do we do that for other religions, too?

[billh58]

12. Yes we do...

Christmas at The White House:

http://relish.com/articles/christmas-at-the-white-house/

Not hosted by the State Department, but still a religious holiday observance paid for by our government.

[Calista241]

13. I would imagine the President is allowed to practice his own religion, even in the White House.

However, it wouldn't surprise me if the State Dept and other agencies also had these religious events also.

[billh58]

14. I have no problem with anyone

practicing their religion, but Christmas and Easter are religious holidays, just as is Eid al-Fitr. Our government, as represented by the President and the Executive Branch, as well as the other two branches, should either recognize all religions, or none. We are NOT a Christian nation.

Or maybe I just don't understand the Constitution and one of the main reasons it was fought for and established.

[Bradical79]

16. They host events for Christian and Jewish holidays -nt

[47of74]

15. I suppose this douche cannon would only be too glad to host reich wing "Christian" events

Jesus, these fornicate sticks aren't even trying anymore.