I find myself in unusual company

Submitted by Richard (United States), Aug 3, 2007 at 13:37

My mother's family came to the USA before it was the USA, in the late 17th century. My father's family came here in the late 19th century. My family's (both sides) men have fought and died in the service of the United States since the Revolutionary War. I love the United States, would not live anywhere else, and consider myself a patriot.

I abhor the way certain Muslim elements (perhaps all Muslim elements in their hearts) are worming their way into our lives so that they can radically transform this great (if flawed) nation into part of the Caliphate. My grandfathers, father, and uncles did not fight and die for that. Although I have always voted for Democratic candidates, I do not think that America is an evil force in the world or that abortion is an insignifcant medical procedure. I believe, instead, that for the most part we are a light unto other nations. I disagree with President Bush, but I do not hate him or wish him harm, or hope that more young men and women die in Iraq so that far left radicals can hold his feet to the fire.

I am also gay. That means that every time I read comments from people here, or at Jihadwatch or Dhimmi Watch or The Religion of Peace site, I encounter at least one anti-gay remark about my alleged immorality and am surprised once again and slightly amused to find myself in such company. So I just want to say, this is my country too, I love it, and I have a right to pursue life, liberty and happiness; all those things that many Muslims want to take away from me and you. So I am appalled at the depth of hatred and misunderstanding that exists among some on the right (and the left) about people they oppose politically and socially. People, we have bigger fish to fry than worrying about what we each do in the privacy of our homes. Remember that one of the things that makes this country great is that I can live my live as I see fit, so long as I do not impose my values on anyone else.

I know that last statement is simplistic given the complexity of issues it raises, but still, it is a good starting point for all of use to recognize we have a common enemy and it is not you or me.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".