We all remember the pain and shock that we felt on the morning of September 11, 2001. It was one of the hardest days of my life. I was a sophomore in high school and sitting in my math class when another teacher came in and told us to turn on the TV. I watched in horror as I witnessed the second plane crash live into the World Trade Center and later the attack on the Pentagon. As a fifteen year old, I wondered what the future would have in store for me. I remember sitting in our family van, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's impromptu concert and have a sweet spiritual feeling that everything would be okay. I was proud of our president and our country for not giving in to hate towards all Muslims who should not be judged on the actions of a few.
Later I served a mission to Europe where I taught not only Swedes, but Iraqis, Iranians, Afghans and others from the Middle East. I saw the human impact of war and those who are disposed of their homes as part of the uncalculated consequences of combat. I experienced the sweet goodness of these humble people who fed us as missionaries and in many cases thanked us as Americans for disposing a dictator or a regime who slaughtered their relatives and countrymen.
After returning home, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Muslim students in student government at Weber State University. I am grateful for the support I received from the Muslim Student Association ranging from a much appreciated endorsement to being a guest at a Ramadan celebration.
In recent days, I have been repulsed and disgusted by the actions and rhetoric regarding the mosque (or more accurately the community center) near Ground Zero. I understand the sensitivity that many people feel regarding the issue, but if we do not allow this mosque we are cheating the ideals and philosophies of America. If we give into hate, we shame the ideals of the Founders and the memories of those who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms. Freedom is a precious and fragile jewel that can easily be lost through fear and intolerance.
Additionally I have been dismayed by the actions of a preacher in Gainsville, Florida who is promoting "Burn the Koran Day" on September 11. Granted his actions are protected through his First Amendment rights, his actions are distasteful, reproachable, and most importantly un-Christlike. Gen. David Petraus was absolutely right by warning this pastor that by doing so he endangers our own troops. It also might cause us to lose the most important battle: for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.
Enough is enough. Let us commemorate September 11 by rejecting hate and embracing those who may believe different from us. It is what makes America great! It is what makes America free!
Later I served a mission to Europe where I taught not only Swedes, but Iraqis, Iranians, Afghans and others from the Middle East. I saw the human impact of war and those who are disposed of their homes as part of the uncalculated consequences of combat. I experienced the sweet goodness of these humble people who fed us as missionaries and in many cases thanked us as Americans for disposing a dictator or a regime who slaughtered their relatives and countrymen.
After returning home, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Muslim students in student government at Weber State University. I am grateful for the support I received from the Muslim Student Association ranging from a much appreciated endorsement to being a guest at a Ramadan celebration.
In recent days, I have been repulsed and disgusted by the actions and rhetoric regarding the mosque (or more accurately the community center) near Ground Zero. I understand the sensitivity that many people feel regarding the issue, but if we do not allow this mosque we are cheating the ideals and philosophies of America. If we give into hate, we shame the ideals of the Founders and the memories of those who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms. Freedom is a precious and fragile jewel that can easily be lost through fear and intolerance.
Additionally I have been dismayed by the actions of a preacher in Gainsville, Florida who is promoting "Burn the Koran Day" on September 11. Granted his actions are protected through his First Amendment rights, his actions are distasteful, reproachable, and most importantly un-Christlike. Gen. David Petraus was absolutely right by warning this pastor that by doing so he endangers our own troops. It also might cause us to lose the most important battle: for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.
Enough is enough. Let us commemorate September 11 by rejecting hate and embracing those who may believe different from us. It is what makes America great! It is what makes America free!
