You've probably seen the humorous look at opposition to the mosque featured on Comedy Central shows like The Daily Show. The Islamic Center is just like any other place of worship, except that members of the religious group have been mercilessly demonized.

But when words of hate lead to acts of terrorism, a line is crossed. Anger rooted in prejudice and misunderstanding is all too common, in Tennessee and across the country. But we must not continue to allow acts of aggression against those who seek only to live in peace and raise their families in the United States of America.

Military veteran Ben Leming wrote about the use of religious division as a means to political victory a couple months ago. He noted that he served alongside Muslims in Iraq, and that the goal is to turn over control of Iraq's security and military to the people of Iraq, the majority of whom are Muslims.

As a Marine that has deployed through out the Middle East, I have worked, trained, and broken bread with Muslims. I have known their families and communities. I have fought with them and for them, as I have for this country and my fellow citizens, many of whom are also Muslims. I can't stand by while some people are accused of being guilty by association of one's religion and therefore discriminated against. This controversy isn't about religion. It's about courage. As a helicopter pilot and intelligence officer, I've studied and fought our enemies. Terrorism is a psychological war based on fear. The counter to it is courage. Our course of action here at home is to abandon the politics of fear and embrace the politics of courage. The people that strongly oppose these places of worship are the same loud, angry, and often frightened voices that we hear too often in our public discourse these days. I ask that they abandon their divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and hate. I ask that they join us by showing Al Qaida that they cannot defeat us. I say to them, what do we have to be afraid of? Are we not brave, strong, proud Americans? I say, we are, because I have seen it in our countrymen. I have known good friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I have witnessed heroic deeds made by amazing men and women. I know friends who have lost so much during this financial crisis and still have the courage to pick themselves up and start a small business. I have seen the courage of people who give to those less fortunate even when they themselves have heavy burdens to bear.

The arsonist in Murfreesboro was a coward who ran away after destroying property in the middle of the night. Whoever did this is no better than the terrorists who attacked on 9/11 or any enemy combatant who tries to destroy American military vehicles with an IED.

I stand against terror.

I oppose acts of aggression against peaceful people.

I stand by my Muslim neighbors.

I refuse to allow others who speak in the name of Jesus Christ to use Christ's name in vain as they commit acts of violence.

Enough is enough.

UPDATE: Please make a donation to support Pakistan flood relief through the website of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. Let's overcome hate with love and charity. Another way to show your support without a financial contribution is by your participation in the Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom group on Facebook. A fabulous diary summarizing the need for aid in Pakistan is available here.