There is a perception that Muslims are not native and are terrorists. That seems to
inspire politicians like Greg Abbott to accuse Texas Muslims of crimes. They know
there are Texas voters that are afraid of Muslims.
We know there are Muslim extremists who have a violent interpretation of the Koran.
Inherent to traditional Islam is the concept of “apostacy” that considered it an offense to
leave Islam, and that Muslims should proselytize to convert the entire world into Islam.
It is also true that most Muslims reject compulsory Islam and are peaceful and
productive people like other Texans.
While the governor of Texas has a responsibility to defend the life and property of all
Texans, it should never be done by inciting hatred and fear toward a particular creed,
race, or other such category. When you hear politicians accuse Muslims of spreading
Sharia law in Texas, this is an erroneous and misleading interpretation of Islamic
tribunals, which resolve religious disputes in the same way as Jewish beth din courts or
Christian religious arbitration. When the governor declared the Council on American-
Islamic Relations (CAIR) a foreign terrorist organization, where is the proof? If CAIR
sent funding to HAMAS I would condemn them, but the principle of our law is that you
are innocent until proven guilty.
Greg Abbott now wants to pull a public safety grant from the city of Grand Prairie. The
governor claims the city is using a government asset for a Muslim religious activity. The
organizers say it is paid for by people buying tickets for the event, and similar Christian
and Jewish events using government assets have not been impeded.
Every Texan is an individual with the same rights as every other Texan. If you have not
harmed others, the governor of Texas should recognize your liberty and defend your
rights.
