Thursday, December 10, 2015

It's Beginning to Look . . .


It must be the season of peace on earth, good will to all.

The fella at the bridge has his Christmas display out . . .

And I've starting making some little child-safe, pet-safe ornaments . . .


In spite of the fact that the rose by our steps has put forth a bud . . .

And in spite of the really appalling anti-Muslim rhetoric -- and worse than rhetoric, physical brutality -- displayed by some violent, ignorant Americans toward any they perceive as Muslim.

I've done a bit of long-distance learning about the Muslims among us -- the women who are afraid to wear the hijab for fear of being singled out for abuse, the mothers who have to have talks with their children on how to deal with a hostile environment at school, the families who must think in terms of a worst-case scenario where all Muslims are rounded up   . . . or worse. HERE is an excellent, eye-opening letter from an American Muslim. I highly recommend it for all who, like me, are far removed from any Muslim communities . . . and, really, for everyone else.

It's heartbreaking to see the ugly side of so many Americans being inflamed by fear-mongers who would use that fear for their own political gain. The specter of Nazi Germany looms large in this peaceful season. Could it happen here?

I am heartened to see that at last many people are speaking out against hateful Islamophobia and calling attention to the good and peaceable Muslims that are a part of the fabric of our society. May the voices of men of good will drown out the shrill, hate-filled rants of the fearful. (One example from Russell Simmons HERE.)

 Peace be with you ~Asalam 'alakum ~ Peace on earth, goodwill to men.





9 comments:

katy gilmore said...

Well said Vicki. Sad it all needs to be said.

Ms. A said...

Bet the kittehs will like those ornaments.

Jime said...

Amen Vicki

Jime said...

Amen Vicki

Barbara Rogers said...

Yes, yes yes! Ornaments and speaking up.

NCmountainwoman said...

Our daughter is irate that so many of her co-workers think excluding Muslims from entering the US and tracking those who are here is a good idea. She simply sighs because she is aware that their minds are closed. So blind they will not see.

Thérèse said...

We don't have the freedom of speech anymore so we have now to be careful about what we say aloud, we are experiencing a hard time over here.

Frances said...

Dear Vicki, I do like the signs of Christmas that have sprung up around your area.

I'll try to eventually send you an email about the time i met Russell Simmons. Great fellow.

xo

Carol Crump Bryner said...

Very nice post, Vicki. You are able to put things the way I wish I could say them. Thanks!