Religious tolerance in America and abroad

One of the foundations of America is religious tolerance. The first pilgirms from England a few centuries ago sought refuge from religious persecution. Today America is also a hotbed of religious intolerance. Many misconceptions and ambiguous incantations have yet to be cleared up. Those who adhere to the Muslim religion are persecuted for terrorism ever since September 11. Stereotypes of other faith systems include "cheap Jews", "pedophile Catholic Priests", "prejudiced Protestants", et cetera. Fortunately the first ammendment protecting freedom of religion and speech has stood against these rude remarks on the few who ruin it for the many. 

Representative Congressman Peter King has been known to have an anti-Muslim bias claiming that many extremists exist in local mosques. The fear of the Islamic religion is known as Islamophobia. Those who exhibit this fear believe America will be taken over with Shariah law and many structures with minarets will be built. Last year there was some controversy about an Islamic Community Center being established two blocks from Ground Zero in Manhattan. The local Media hasn't followed up since then but is now focusing on the revolutions in Egypt and Libya. Do we need to be afraid of the Islamic religion and those who devoutly practice it? Not at all, for how can you base a religion on the actions of only 19 hijackers? The Islamic religion has contributed many positive elements to society such as medicine, math, arts, caligraphy et cetera. In this case ignorance is definitely not bliss. In every faith system exist good people and bad people.

As a practicing Roman Catholic I have encountered the devout and deliquents of the church. By no means am I perfect but I strive to do that which is called good. Let us be kind to one another without compromising our beliefs. Let us be professional and unitive in working towards a better society in which all have a chance to express and say what needs to be said. The key to getting along is grounded knowledge which lessens our culpability of persecution. Remember why the first pilgrims came to this land of opportunity and let us carry on their work.

-tbtcom1213