Dear editor,
In response to Mona Charen’s article entitled “Obama’s against mob violence – by Americans” (09-21-12), I would like to present an independent point of view with many facts and ideals to consider.
First of all, the man who made the anti-Muslim movie here in the United States, making fun of Mohammed, is named Katoulah, and looks like a Middle Easterner. He knew full well what the consequences would be of “stoking the fire” of madmen. How could he have been so stupid, unless of course perhaps he is a member of al-Qaeda himself, making a clever chess move to eradicate more Americans and stir up more strife? I wouldn’t be surprised if 9/11 is duplicated in the very near future.
I also immediately thought of Jesus Christ who said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…” (Matthew 5: 43-45)
Upon further thought, I realized that we as American Christians are beginning to lower ourselves to their level with all of the covert hate of the Muslims. We “lump” them all together just as they “lump” all of us together. Remember the early Christian Holy Crusades in the Middle Ages where Christians hated, persecuted and killed Muslims. The Muslims are simply evolving one-thousand years later than early Christians in their overt actions. I’m not condoning, simply stating the facts.
I believe that Katoulah should be brought to justice for his either stupid or strategic move. Let’s prove to the world that we Christians in America can’t all be “lumped” into one. Let’s admit that this movie was simply one man’s stupid idea to wreak more havoc where plenty has already been wreaked. Let’s prove to the world we are different in that we as Christians don’t approve of “hate speech” or of hate. Hate vs. hate?!? Where does that get anybody except in a vicious cycle of … hate.
Kay Scarborough
LaGrange
Are we, as Americans, to limit the very freedomes of speech that were ordained by our founding fathers? Does the American Constitution not give specific rights to American Citizens (and anyone on American soil) the right to speak out against any form of religion (diety, etc) that they so see fit? This was one of the founding rights at the cornerstone of our society because of previous religious oppression.
I think Katoulah's movie was inaccurate from a historical and scholarly perspective, however, the fact is the man has the right to express his views. That is what makes America well.... America. If we limit the voice of SOME can the voice of ALL not also be limited?
In the end, however, I agree that we should condemn the video as ignorant but be careful not to limit the freedoms we possess.
I do agree with you though that people who think like Ms. Scarbourough are downright unamerican.
And even if he wasn't, so what? This movie was made in the U.S. and we have this little tenet of law known as "the First Amendment."
Have you seen the anti-Christian crap that is put out over in countries like Syria, Libya, even Saudi Arabia? Would that justify us rampaging and Murdering diplomats from Muslim countries?
Nope. Lets place the blame where it actually lays: On the miscreants who killed those Americans, period.
Ms. Scarborough you may want to review the first amendment to the Constitution. Katoulah may have done something distasteful in the eyes of many but that does not make it illegal or something he should be "brought to justice" over.