Many Muslims have served and currently serve in our military forces with honor and integrity. I honor them with this post.
Thanks to all of you for serving our country the way that you do. Thank you for defending our territory and our rights. Thank you for taking an oath of loyalty and for keeping that oath. Thank you for believing in the greatness and the goodness of America enough to risk your lives in her defense.
I do not blame you for the terrorist acts committed by some of your fellow Muslims. I hold the individuals who did those things responsible.
I respect your right to believe and practice your religion. I disagree with it, but I would never want to infringe upon your right to follow it.
I honor you today, because the horrible event at Fort Hood would make it easy for some people to be against all Muslims, especially Muslims in our armed forces. I want you to know that I will not take that route. I want others to know that it is wrong to do so. I hope that others give you the respect and honor that you deserve.
4 responses so far ↓
Quin // November 7, 2009 at 10:22 am |
I’ll agree with and second all of that. Well said!
Spherical Time // November 7, 2009 at 1:35 pm |
Most of this I agree with, but the line “Thank you for believing in the greatness and the goodness of America enough to risk your lives in her defense” makes me uncomfortable.
Don’t you believe that America is a Christian nation, RG? If so, aren’t you thinking these people for defending Christian values?
There’s a dissonance there.
renaissanceguy // November 7, 2009 at 2:24 pm |
No, I do not believe that America is a Christian nation. America is a free nation that allows freedom of religion.
Historically America has been almost entirely Christian, in terms of the beliefs of the population. However, America is a country of Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, and everything else people identify themselves as.
Spherical Time // November 8, 2009 at 1:08 pm |
I’ll try to remember that you said that.