[Vision2020] Playing on Islamaphobia

[Moscow Cares]

As the saying goes (I'm kinda paraphrasing here) . . .

"Those who limit their vision to black and white, miss the rainbow."

Courtesy of today's (February 12, 2016) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to Rula Awwad-Rafferty.

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Letter: Playing on Islamaphobia
In regard to the Feb. 3 Our View, "Bill to change Constitution paves way for Islamic schools" by Devin Rokyta, for the Daily News editorial board, this is not the first time the newspaper, or some other decent figure, has used this type of rhetoric, particularly invoking Islam and Muslims in this way - whether as an expression of opinion, or in satire to provoke a reaction. It is much more than an "unfortunate way of expression." It seriously troubles me.
Why the immediate link with Islam, Islamic schools and Syrian refugees? What is wrong with "Islamic schools"? There are Christian schools. There are Jewish schools. Actually, we have an Islamic school here as part of the Islamic center, just like with Sunday schools; these all are important cultural and spiritual institutions of our diverse communities. Even the way the final "Peace Upon You" greeting comes out with what sounds like malice. This sickens me. It is a beautiful greeting. Just let that be what it is.
Does stopping a bill from passing justify writing opinion that plays on stereotype, fear and hateful reactions? No. I am completely opposed to the bill, however, I am more opposed to this type of message from the local editorial board on the pages of our local newspaper because it really plays the fear factor, the hate factor and the ignorance factor.
You should not be perpetrating such fears and ignorance from your pulpit. And because this is not the first time this type of rhetoric shows up, I would really appreciate the Moscow Human Rights Commission to speak up to that, from the commission itself, not only for my own feeling of belonging in the community, but for everyone's benefit. Here, the impact far outweighs the intent in its reach.
Rula Awwad-Rafferty, Moscow
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How about it, Moscow Human Rights Commission?  Remind us all (especially David Rokyta) in a letter to the editor of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News of what you have said so many times before . . .

http://www.moscowcares.com/humanrights

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" 
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
  
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