Sikhs won’t give up daggers for U.S. meeting with Pope

[GB_Cherry]

I am deeply concerned about the Pope visiting the U.S. and the latest threat from Bin Laden. I pray that no one tries to do anything to cause harm. My reasoning for posting is, I am sure that the Pope will bring his own protection with him, however will he also receive Secret Service protection?

 

[cathgal]

I am deeply concerned about the Pope visiting the U.S. and the latest threat from Bin Laden. I pray that no one tries to do anything to cause harm. My reasoning for posting is, I am sure that the Pope will bring his own protection with him, however will he also receive Secret Service protection?

“If God is with us, who is against us ?”

We can only do so much to protect the Pope. We can’t see all, know all. Only God do that. If it’s His will, the Pope will remain safe no matter what the enemy is attempting.

 

[LDNCatholic]

I am deeply concerned about the Pope visiting the U.S. and the latest threat from Bin Laden. I pray that no one tries to do anything to cause harm. My reasoning for posting is, I am sure that the Pope will bring his own protection with him, however will he also receive Secret Service protection?

Given the historic relationship between the Muslims and the Sikhs, if you are worried about a radical Muslim attack then it would be a VERY good idea to have the kirpan bearing Sikhs around His Holiness.

As a head of state the U.S secret service will be protecting him, as is evident by their poor handling of this situation in an attempt to keep the Pope safe. If they weren’t involved in it then surely they wouldn’t have banned the Sikh’s from wearing the kirpan.

 

[Phemie]

I am deeply concerned about the Pope visiting the U.S. and the latest threat from Bin Laden. I pray that no one tries to do anything to cause harm. My reasoning for posting is, I am sure that the Pope will bring his own protection with him, however will he also receive Secret Service protection?

As a visiting head of state wouldn’t Secret Service protection be a given?

 

[Phemie]

feeds.feedburner.com/~r/catholicnewsagency/dailynews/~3/246521539/new.php

“Sikh leaders have been excluded from an upcoming interfaith meeting with Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the United States because their ceremonial daggers were forbidden by the Secret Service, the Washington Times reports.”

Took their cue from the Secret Service who refuse to give up their weapons when coming into Canada where they have no jurisdiction and no ‘right to bear arms’.

 

[CreosMary]

I work as a Security Officer and there is no way weapons, ceremonial or otherwise would be allowed near a man of importance. If you go to a Judicial Court (at least here) you have to enter via magnomometer and have your luggage go through X ray, any sharp items such as nail files are confiscated.
So why even the question of Sikh knives? and if the Sikhs appreciated the Holy Father they would leave thier knives at home in knowledge of world security.

 

[Phemie]

Will Catholics be checked to see if their crosses are ok? Respect for everyone’s religion should be the order of the day.

 

[LDNCatholic]

ceremonial or otherwise would be allowed near a man of importance. If you go to a Judicial Court (at least here) you have to enter via magnomometer and have your luggage go through X ray, any sharp items such as nail files are confiscated.
So why even the question of Sikh knives? and if the Sikhs appreciated the Holy Father they would leave thier knives at home in knowledge of world security.

They are much more than ‘‘ceremonial’’ they are required for all religious Sikhs. It is not a polite suggestion, it is a necessity to them.

They would not harm His Holiness, so the interests of world security will not be harmed by the bearing of the kirpan.

EDIT: Just remembered, some of the Kara worn by the Sikhs are quite heavy and could be used as makeshift knuckledusters, confiscate them too

 

[brotherhrolf]

Knives vs. halberds? Seems to me the Swiss Guards did a really good job of defending the Pope in the Renaissance with halberds vs. swords, etc. The halberds may look ceremonial but I am fairly certain they are actual arms.

 

[LDNCatholic]

Knives vs. halberds? Seems to me the Swiss Guards did a really good job of defending the Pope in the Renaissance with halberds vs. swords, etc. The halberds may look ceremonial but I am fairly certain they are actual arms.

They are, and the Swiss guard still train in their use, and swords, and firearms.

 

[Sir_Knight]

I believe that they carry Sigs.