While enjoying one of my favorite political satire shows, “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” they ran a bit on the recent claims by some that President Obama is not a Christian but rather a Muslim.

Some of the arguments supporting this claim are that he has spoken in some predominantly-Muslim countries such as Egypt and Turkey, and that he supports the building of an Islamic Center near ground zero. Even Iowa GOP leader Kim Lehman says his speech in Egypt aligns him with Muslims.

If he was a Muslim, how would that be adverse to his position as president? Speaking with Muslim countries; I call that good foreign policy.

Not that it matters, but Obama is a Christian. He is just not a Bible-thumper as Presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter were. No matter what his religious faith is, he is an American, right? Some even dispute this. Several figures in politics, the military and even show biz have demanded to see Obama’s birth certificate to make sure he is an American by birth.

I ask these people this question: Why ask now? I assume, then, that you’re fine with Senators being not being born in the United States since Obama served in Congress from 2005 to 2008.

Opponents of Obama are just looking for ways to tarnish his administration. I say there are far more viable criticisms that could be made than ridiculous and unfounded claims concerning his religion, which I believe is a personal matter, and his nationality. In fact, absurd accusations such as these take away and distract from the real issues that need to be criticized.