Thanks to Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Rush Limbaugh, and 90 percent of the other members of the GOP, American Muslims are fearful of retaliation for the actions of extremist groups they, themselves, abhor. Although this is America, and no one should live in fear, this is not the case for Muslims, especially young women.

Amirah Aulaqi spoke of an incident at her local grocery store.

“I had these two males come up to me and … call me a terrorist in front of my face, out loud in front of people,” she said.

After the cowardly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, American Muslims felt the need to protect themselves. In New York City many attend a monthly self-defense class. They study Wing Tsun, which focuses on survival. Eye gouges, throat jabs and palm strikes to the head are methods used to escape an attack.

This class is restricted to women, but not exclusively Muslims. When the first class was conducted in mid-December 30 women attended; one brought her 12-year-old daughter with her.

Muslim women felt weak and vulnerable and this class gives them more confidence.

“We started to feel a little bit paranoid about going into crowded places, the subway platforms and things like that,” says Aulaqi.

This situation is a blight on our nation. Our founding fathers created the United States of America on the principle of equality and religious freedom. Contrary to the Christian religious right and the GOP presidential candidates, America is not a ‘Christian’ nation, and it cannot be according to the Constitution. Every American has the right to practice the religion of their choice and not be persecuted for their belief.

The danger to American Muslims is far too real. Misunderstanding and hatred have been nurtured by the two leading GOP presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Even liberal Bill Maher labels all Muslims as haters of America.

Christians and Muslims have a history of violence, and both have factions which are guilty of terrorism in the 21^st century. Around the world some who claim to be devout followers of both religions commit atrocities in the name of their faith. Religions are cults, and when an extremist leader breaks from the fundamental teachings of the Bible or the Quran, the brainwashed will follow that individual. There is no valid reason for violence in the teachings of Jesus Christ or Muhammad. Both were men of peace who offered the hope of eternal life.

Without a doubt there are jihadists living in the United States, some of whom are American citizens. The FBI has nearly 50,000 men and women on their watch list. Most are refused the ability to travel on commercial airlines, but all can legally purchase firearms. In support of the NRA lobby, Republicans support this right.

We must find logic in our laws. If someone yells ‘fire’ in a movie theater when none exists, this is a violation of the law and not a first amendment protection. The second amendment must receive the same consideration.

Our nation cannot become great once again unless we cease to live in fear or create a fearful condition for those who may have different beliefs than ourselves.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Lion Multimedia Production U.S.A.

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