You've Got to Be Kidding

Despite the stereotypical view of what it means to be from Texas ( Hi y'all, I wear a cowboy hat and boots when I go out dancin' with my honey, etc.), it is actually quite a diverse state.  I have friends and live amongst people from all walks of life, of many colors, of varying sexual preferences, and a multitude of religions. I considerate myself fortunate, as such people make my world a happier place.

Having said that, I feel I must speak out in support of my Muslim friends, attacked and persecuted of late by many, including some of our dubious Presidential candidates.  The belief that all Muslims support terrorism, and should be variously banned, segregated, avoided, and even terrorized themselves is not only faulty, it is patently ridiculous.  Should all Christians be banned because Timothy McVeigh, a homegrown terrorist raised as a Roman Catholic, decided it was reasonable to bomb a building in Oklahoma City?  Are all upper-middle class white people crazy because John Hinckley, Jr., as upper crust as they come, decided to try to assassinate President Reagan?

You get my drift.  Unwarranted persecution of any kind really ticks me off, but the viciousness and ludicrous nature of the current attacks on Muslims has me stymied.  There are Muslims living in the United States of America that are natural citizens.  There are American Muslim soldiers that have gone to war under the American flag and returned in a coffin.  If one of the cornerstones of our nation is religious freedom, why in the name of all that is holy do some feel this rabid need to persecute?

Edmund Burke said,  " All that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

I sincerely hope that when it comes time to elect the next President of the United States in November we stand up and do something.