Can't we all just get along?

Interesting article in the Christian Science Monitor today. Various groups of American Muslims are trying to combat increasing hatred and violence shown towards them by mounting public relations campaigns designed to point out that they are peaceful, ordinary Americans just like you and me. Some of them, like this one, are very touching:


The need for such responses is both increasingly apparent and frightening. Alarming accounts of violence and persecution aimed at people for the sole reason that they are Muslim are being heard throughout the country. Several examples are given in the Christian Science Monitor article. Those accounts make it clear that there is a segment of our society which views hatred and discrimination against an entire religion as an appropriate response to the violent actions of a few members of that faith. This proposition should be rejected by all who value religious freedom.

My ancestors felt this kind of hatred and discrimination at a time in our nation's history when there was virtually no one to stand up for them. The President of the United States told them their cause was just but he could do nothing for them. The sting of that persecution continues to this day to contribute to feelings of defensiveness and victimization felt by many Mormons. We, as much as anyone, should feel the pain of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and should reach out to them in love, peace, and understanding. We, as much as anyone, should realize that persecuting anyone for their religious beliefs endangers everyone's right to practice their religion. As one man puts it in this public service announcement, "If we don't have our rights, you don't have your rights." Amen.