Thursday, February 09, 2017

The Sound of Silence: My government has a right to keep the roof from collapsing, the foundations/borders secure, and Americans safe


From the Daily Times:
Gathered at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to protest President Trump’s temporary ban which effects seven nations targeted for security considerations, the Muslims bowed in prayer. As the image came across the news wire I asked the usual questions: Who, what, when, where, how and why? 
Led by activist Sheikh Omar Suleiman, the image is a poignant one. The prayer leader is well known. He is also the star “witness” in a BBC documentary, “The United States of Hate”. Since this is a documentary-by-video-clips, a documentary-by-sound-bites, I watched the production in increments of five minutes. This allowed for perusing a few facts. 
Early on, Mr. Suleiman introduces us to a small group of protesters outside a mosque in Phoenix. Beyond the sidewalk in front of the mosque, is the sound of silence. Phoenix has 1.5 million who have not shown up for the protest. 
Citizens are walking the dog, watering their lawns and playing with their children. A beggarly handful at the mosque, the remainder enjoying this blessing called America. The film gives accurate diagnosis for Omar Suleiman’s dilemma. “He sees Islamophobia everywhere.” 
Gee. Everywhere I look there is anticipation of a chocolate candy bar awaiting me. But then again, I am a simple woman. 
Jesus accurately stated, “Seek and ye shall find.” And whilst he was not speaking of confirmation bias it does seem that if we seek the good in people it is to be found. If we seek out the bad it is also there. The question is one of our own orientation. In a quest to seek out the bad hombres, are we walking past columns of people waving and smiling at us? 
Sheikh Omar lets us know there is “a very systematic dehumanization of 1.8 billion people.” Oh really? 
GO READ THE WHOLE THING. 

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