Pirates, And A "Christian Nation"

It's been quite a throwback this week, hasn't it? Pirates in the Middle East; debates about a "Christian nation"; and a president finding a new way to speak to the Muslim world. So it's well worth reiterating the truths that the Senate proclaimed in the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796 - 1797:

Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.