The White House ends a tradition that dates back to Jefferson in the observance of Ramadan in respect for “freedom of religion” and the Right has got to be joyous over it – PB/TK
Trump just ended a long tradition of celebrating Ramadan at the White House – By Amy B Wang / June 24 2017
In the early days of December 1805, a handful of prominent politicians received formal invitations to join President Thomas Jefferson for a White House dinner.
Such entreaties were not uncommon: Jefferson frequently hosted lawmakers for political working dinners at the White House, almost always commencing them about 3:30 in the afternoon, shortly after the House or Senate had adjourned for the day.
But this gathering, scheduled for Dec. 9, would be slightly different.
“dinner will be on the table precisely at sun-set — ” the invitations read. “The favour of an answer is asked.”
The occasion was the presence of a Tunisian envoy to the United States, Sidi Soliman Mellimelli, who had arrived in the country just the week before, in the midst of America’s ongoing conflict with what were then known as the Barbary States.
And the reason for the dinner’s later-than-usual start was Mellimelli’s observance of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims in which observers fast between dawn and dusk. Only after sunset do Muslims break their fast with a meal, referred to as an iftar.
Continue to msn.com article: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-just-ended-a-long-tradition-of-celebrating-ramadan-at-the-white-house/ar-BBCOn4J?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp
