he American Embassy in Indonesia celebrated the founding of America one month early to avoid conflict with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, The Jakarta Post reports.
“We are celebrating a month early to respect the holy month of Ramadan, but today we remember the revolutionary Congress meeting on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia that issued America’s ‘Declaration of Independence’ that changed the course of modern history,” U.S. Ambassador Robert O. Blake said in prepared remarks that are posted on the embassy’s website.
Blake outlined the “unalienable rights” of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness outlined in the Declaration of Independence, adding, “I am honored to serve as the American Ambassador to Indonesia and to witness first-hand the fruits of Indonesia’s successful pursuit of those rights. Indonesia’s remarkable democratic transformation since 1998 in particular has attracted the world’s recognition and respect.”
A caption beneath a photo of a large United States-shaped cake on the Jakarta Post’s website said the event was held early “so as not to disrupt the Ramadhan fasting month, starting later this month, when people will be busier with breaking-the-fast events and prayers.”
Thomas Lifson of The American Thinker called the move “a mind-boggling gesture of official U.S. Government dhimmitude,” a reference to non-Muslims living a second-class status in Islamic countries.
“If you think any Islamic countries – there are 57 of them (not counting ISIS) that count themselves officially Islamic – will move their DC embassy’s celebration of Ramadan to accommodate our Independence holiday, I have some bridges to sell you,” Lifson said.
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