Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain has drawn criticism for his remarks that he would vet the loyalty of potential Muslim American cabinet members.

The problem of the patriotism of "hyphenated Americans" coming into question gets new life with presidential candidate Herman Cain's assertion that he would require an oath of loyalty before naming a Muslim American to his administration. more>

Seventy priests, nuns and faculty members from Catholic colleges examine Boehner's record on issues that are not abortion, and yet are still important to church teachings. more>

As the battle over the "Ground Zero mosque" reached a boiling point over the summer, a similar debate raged on a much more quiet patch of new York City real estate: a deal between the Muslim American Society and St. Margaret Mary parish pastor Father Keith Fennesy to purchase an unused convent. more>

The big question is this – is Kelly going to try and become the first New York City mayor with an Irish name since Bill O'Dwyer back in the 1950s? more>

"The Muslims are not responsible for 9/11. There have been extremists in all religions. Denying them the ability to build a mosque would be like London denying the Roman Catholic Church the opportunity to build a church during the IRA bombings" says Charles Wolf who lost his wife in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 more>

Prominent Washington Post columnist and pundit George Will wants to let the steam out of the heated immigration reform debate: He suggests an overhaul of the 14th Amendment, which grants U.S citizenship to everyone born within the countries borders, included the undocumented parents. more>

Given the problems he's faced with these days – health care, Iraq and now the exodus of Democrats such as Patrick Kennedy and Evan Bayh from the House and Senate – President Obama probably looks back fondly on the days when the biggest problem in his life was a bunch of angry Irish Catholics at Notre Dame. more>

The father of a 9/11 victim is protesting his town's decision to erect a memorial to his deceased son. What could possibly be the objection? more>

Although Michael Bloomberg has not officially declared his presidential candidacy, it is likely that if he makes a run for the presidency, he will call upon some close Irish-American pals who have helped him win in the past. more>

There was an interesting moment during an episode of The Sopranos a few weeks back. One character recalled that his immigrant ancestors came from Italy into the United States by way of Canada. He paused, then added, “They should build a wall these days, though.” This is a stark example of what you might call immigration schizophrenia: a profound confusion when it comes to one’s personal ethnic history and immigration in general. more>

The hard truth of the matter is that other big city fire departments have managed to diversify at a much faster pace than the FDNY. However, Justice Department investigators currently on the FDNY’s case should approach this delicate issue with caution. Apparently, it is a “family matter” for the Irish. more>

A battle is raging in Brooklyn. Yes, in 2005, dueling Irish American factions of the Brooklyn Democratic Party are still waging war with each other over accusations of fraud, intimidation, clubhouse politicking and more. more>

In the past, Irish immigrants have headed home to educate their children ¡V education is free in Ireland. Slowly, some are discovering that NYC public schools can do just fine and are singing their praises. more>

Some argue that Irish immigrants with political pasts are being used by the Bush Administration to show that the U.S. government is not looking to deport only Arabs. Even a small increase in anti-Bush sentiment among Irish Americans could have implications come November. more>

I liked the movie…though any script exploring Famine immigration, the New York City Draft Riots and 1860s politics would have been fine by me. The script also explores an interesting point about the rise of Irish political power: Even when the majority becomes the minority, you can’t ignore or forget them (even if they seem bigoted or narrow-minded.) New minorities may not have a hatchet—like Daniel Day Lewis’ character—but they have a vote. more>

The Brooklyn Diocese recently announced that two dozen Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens will be closed or consolidated. Irish Americans are raising money and trying to keep the schools open, but with annual tuition running near $3,000, middle class families are having trouble affording them. more>