A little courtesy and common sense, please

By Glenn Mollette

A few years ago, a good deal of dust was stirred over the depiction of the Muslim propher Mohammed in a cartoon. It led to a number of protests and rallies. One in Garland, Texas was described as “a demonstration of free speech. People gathered to showcase their cartoons of Islam’s Mohammed. Cartoons of Mohammed are commonly known to incite people of the Islam religion.

I don’t know of any Christians who like cartoons of Jesus if they depict Jesus in an irreverent way. I do not embrace anything about Islam. I do embrace their United States freedom to peacefully practice their religion. I am abhorred by militant Islam religion.

Protestants should find something better to do than knock Catholicism and vice-versa. Americans should find something better to do than what was done in Garland, Texas in the name of the first amendment.

Freedom of speech in this country is a wonderful gift that thousands of Americans have died to preserve. Having this right should also include respect for the faith of others. The event in Garland wasn’t respectful. This respect of others and some common sense and common courtesy needs to permeate our country throughout all public events, demonstrations and religious gatherings.

Some people are arguing that the Garland demonstration showed the militant Muslims that Americans will not be silenced. However, what did it show the Muslims across America who are working in our hospitals, factories and government offices? I guess it showed them that if they want to have an event and draw cartoons of Jesus that they have the freedom to do so. This would be a much better idea than the alleged Isis gunmen who showed up to kill people. By the way, we should thank the police officers who took the gunmen out.

We need to practice free speech in America. We should practice it freely and loudly.

We should practice respect as well.

Glenn Mollette is an American columnist and is read in all fifty states. He is the author of twelve books.

American Voices By GLENN MOLLETTE