Why “ARMED” protest? What does the second amendment have to do with freedom of religion? The point of it all is intimidation. The only way for a weak person to battle what they do not understand is with fear. Ironically enough their own ignorance seems to be fueled by fear. Throughout history the trend has been that America does not like that they do not understand. We are creatures of habit and like to live in a self-absorbed bubble, forgetting that multiculturalism is what makes America so great. Are we not a country founded on immigrants? The entire basis of our separation from Imperialist England was for freedom and is still one biggest pillars of American society today.

Can we think for just a second what would happen if any Muslim only spoke of going armed to a church, without even following through? He would be branded a terrorist, but others taking similar actions would be praised as a patriot.

The main problem with and armed protest is that it acknowledges the need to protection from the group being protested. But when the group being protested is peaceful religious gathering then the only conclusion to be made is that the protesters have a mission in mind to draw out a response. For this reason I am choosing to accompany my father, who had never been known for his patience or great temper.

Once again I will say that the cure for this starts with us, the people who believe in Islam. Not the imitators who tarnish our name by furthering the stereotypes, but everyday American Muslims living and working in everyday life. The second part is with anyone who is curious and have questions, to speak up and ask them. We are average Americans who live our lives the best we can, and in most cases end up being the ones terrorized. If you are a non-Muslim reading this and have a question no matter how butt hurt you think I will get please ask. If I do not have the answer (which I probably do not) I will find it. Without dialog nothing will change, only get worse.

For any of my brothers and sisters planning to go to Friday Prayers today please be safe and remain calm. That last part my wife could not emphasize enough, do not play into their plan.