One of the reasons people yearn to come to America is that this is the land of opportunity, of equals, where people can live more or less as they choose, and believe what they want to believe. One thing we pride ourselves on is our ability to respectfully disagree with those who have a different opinion than our own.
One prime example of this is right here in Houston's western neighbor Katy, where the Katy Islamic Association has decided to build a mosque for the city's islamic citizens. Their new neighbor on Baker street, who is not of the Muslim faith have responded to this is the most dignified manner one could conceive of responding with - he has decided to hold pig races next door on Friday (from the local ABC affiliate here in Houston). You see, Friday is the Muslim holy day, and pigs are unclean animals - that muslims don't eat.
Now, he has a reason - he said that the Muslims, a week after they bought the property, told him that he might want to move away. Sure. Others have brought up more concrete issues, such as drainage concerns and increased traffic, but that's something that happens with growth. Gun to my head, I'd say that all the griping is nothing less than Texan anti-muslim NIMBYism.
Consider this - Kosher Jews don't eat pork... what would the public have said had this man done this in response to a proposed synagogue? I seem to recall seventh day adventists don't eat pork, either. What would be the reaction to an individual holding said races in response to a proposed Christian (Seventh Day Adventist) church? What makes it somehow more acceptable to this man to decide to protest the mosque in this manner? How does this reflect on our nation's announcement that we are not against Islam, but rather the jihadists? Whether he likes the church being there or not, there are appropriate methods for voicing your opposition. Holding Pig races on Friday just makes you look like an ass, and reflects poorly on your country.
Update
The Detroit Free Press had this article up on its website today, where the landowner conceded that the Muslims "probably aren't after his land." From the Article: "It's not mean-spirited -- 'It's just Texas-spirited.'"
3 comments:
LOL, i have a warped sense of humour, so i do find this funny, BUT in all seriousness, it really does show how some ( and trust me, it happens here also) folk really are pathetic human beings when it comes to accepting others differences.
The residents/property owners do have some legitimate issues that need to be looked into. What effect would the mosque (or anything else) have on property value. Poor planning/drainage will wipe out a lawn. Increased traffic is a danger to children. Mr. Baker is taking a childish approach and needs to come up with a different plan. My wife also has a warped sense of humor. She thought there should be a pig roast on race night. Maybe a contest to see who can come up with the best pig costume. First place winner gets into next weeks races free. If this battle continues I hope you'll keep us updated.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
Michelle - You're right; there is a morbid humor to it.
Gramma - I agree.
David - thanks for stopping by; I hope you'll pay us a few return visits. I agree that there are issues, and if the land surveys haven't been completed, then they need to be. But if that were the only issue brought up, then there would be no story.
Bowing to the warped humor here for just a moment, I would suggest to your wife that the roast should come after the races, with the losing pig becoming dinner.
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