The Founding Fathers and Islam

Yes,investigative leads take you where they want.It is the perogative of the investigative process!James H. Houston wrote an interesting piece in May 2002 for the Library of Congress,entitled The Founding Fathers and Islam Library Papers Show early Tolerance for Muslim Faith.The following is an illuminating quote, " Readers may be surprised to learn that there may have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Muslims in the United States in 1776—imported as slaves from areas of Africa where Islam flourished. Although there is no evidence that the Founders were aware of the religious convictions of their bondsmen, it is clear that the Founding Fathers thought about the relationship of Islam to the new nation and were prepared to make a place for it in the republic." Hutson mentioned John Locke's "Letter of Toleration (1689) and insisted that Muslims and all others who believed in God be tolerated in England".There was much national and stateside discussion and debate on the merits, values and tolerance of Islam from the early colonial days up to the present debates in the United States. If an old hoboclown detective like me can find this historical reference, what do you think the deep-pocketed presidential candidates can uncover ? Read the article...