Herman Cain’s Muslim Apology Leaves Unanswered Questions
After meeting with a group of Muslim leaders in Northern Virginia, Herman Cain has issued an apology for his past anti-Islam comments:
“While I stand by my opposition to the interference of shariah law into the American legal system, I remain humble and contrite for any statements I have made that might have caused offense to Muslim Americans and their friends,” he said in the statement. “I am truly sorry for any comments that may have betrayed my commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the freedom of religion guaranteed by it.”
Left unresolved by this statement though is whether Cain has changed his mind on the specific discriminatory policy positions he claimed to support. Would he still require Muslims to take special loyalty oaths to serve in his cabinet? Does he still believe religious freedom doesn’t apply to Muslim places of worship?
It’s good to see Cain recognizing that his comments have caused significant harm, but it’s the policy positions he’s endorsed that are most dangerous. Until he explains where he stands on these specific questions, he shouldn’t be let off the hook.
UPDATE: Over at Talking Points Memo, Evan McMorris-Santoro notes that one of the Muslim leaders Cain met considers his apology heartfelt and legitimate.
Photo Credit Gage Skidmore