Frank_H_Smith
New Revert 2010
As Salamu 'Alaykum,
Last week I posted a youtube video of a Muslim who was a comic. My purpose was to give myself and each of you some relief from the pressure of living in areas which stereotype us because of our belief in AL Qur'an and Islam. I found it amusing and never had a problem laughing at myself or my situation.
Unfortunately, shortly after posting it, I discovered that two Muslims (a husband and wife) who has been helpful to me in taking my Shahada and learning what I need to learn (Aqeedah), were victims of governmental stereotyping in the form of the "No Fly List" here in The United States. What made this abuse even worse is my Muslim brother is a pilot and had to go to court to have his name removed from the list. He was a gulf war pilot who later revert to Islam. His wife has been an American Citizen since she was in her teens. Neither ever committed a crime, belonged to any "bad" organizations, nor ever done anything to warrant them being put on "THE LIST" other than practice Islam. Suddenly, stereotyping wasn't a laughing matter as I appreciate these Mulim Brother and Sister and would never find a hardship they endured funny.
As those of you who have read my posts know, I joined the military when I was 17 and served as an E5 medic (E5 is a rank of Sargent) in Vietnam while still a teenager. I was awarded several letters of commendation for my leadership and technical skill as a paramedic by Post Commanders, Hospital Commanders, and Company Commanders. I always considered myself to be patriot in that I held the founding principles of The United States found in the Constitutions and other writings of The Founding Fathers to be precious.
I am a peace loving Vietnam Veteran with extensive training in Martial Arts, and many other areas of expertise. And, I am outraged that patriotism has come to mean: "Shut up and don't disagree." I have always worked hard to provide for myself and my family prior to my injuries. And, it irritates me that so much of the American Tax dollar is spent on killing instead of healing and feeding.
I was born into a share cropper family and was blessed to be adopted by an Aunt and Uncle who were able to provide me with many luxuries that many of my brothers and sisters who were not adopted never had the pleasure of experiencing as children. I don't know why I am blessed to receive benefit even from "mistakes and misfortune."
But, I wanted to apologize to any and all who find themselves persecuted for Islam if it appeared that I was taking lightly the harm caused by stereotyping and profiling. My heart "bleeds" for every child harmed, every adult injured, killed, or oppressed for who and what they are by Allah's Grace and Will. I know that nothing happens without Allah's permission; however, it is also my understanding that His permission doesn't mean desire or pleasure.
I have given my boys permission to make their own decisions at an early age, but I wasn't always pleased with the results of their decision.
So, please always remember that my intentions are never to offend or insult any of you, my brothers and sisters. Subhan'Allah Alhamdulillah.
Last week I posted a youtube video of a Muslim who was a comic. My purpose was to give myself and each of you some relief from the pressure of living in areas which stereotype us because of our belief in AL Qur'an and Islam. I found it amusing and never had a problem laughing at myself or my situation.
Unfortunately, shortly after posting it, I discovered that two Muslims (a husband and wife) who has been helpful to me in taking my Shahada and learning what I need to learn (Aqeedah), were victims of governmental stereotyping in the form of the "No Fly List" here in The United States. What made this abuse even worse is my Muslim brother is a pilot and had to go to court to have his name removed from the list. He was a gulf war pilot who later revert to Islam. His wife has been an American Citizen since she was in her teens. Neither ever committed a crime, belonged to any "bad" organizations, nor ever done anything to warrant them being put on "THE LIST" other than practice Islam. Suddenly, stereotyping wasn't a laughing matter as I appreciate these Mulim Brother and Sister and would never find a hardship they endured funny.
As those of you who have read my posts know, I joined the military when I was 17 and served as an E5 medic (E5 is a rank of Sargent) in Vietnam while still a teenager. I was awarded several letters of commendation for my leadership and technical skill as a paramedic by Post Commanders, Hospital Commanders, and Company Commanders. I always considered myself to be patriot in that I held the founding principles of The United States found in the Constitutions and other writings of The Founding Fathers to be precious.
I am a peace loving Vietnam Veteran with extensive training in Martial Arts, and many other areas of expertise. And, I am outraged that patriotism has come to mean: "Shut up and don't disagree." I have always worked hard to provide for myself and my family prior to my injuries. And, it irritates me that so much of the American Tax dollar is spent on killing instead of healing and feeding.
I was born into a share cropper family and was blessed to be adopted by an Aunt and Uncle who were able to provide me with many luxuries that many of my brothers and sisters who were not adopted never had the pleasure of experiencing as children. I don't know why I am blessed to receive benefit even from "mistakes and misfortune."
But, I wanted to apologize to any and all who find themselves persecuted for Islam if it appeared that I was taking lightly the harm caused by stereotyping and profiling. My heart "bleeds" for every child harmed, every adult injured, killed, or oppressed for who and what they are by Allah's Grace and Will. I know that nothing happens without Allah's permission; however, it is also my understanding that His permission doesn't mean desire or pleasure.
I have given my boys permission to make their own decisions at an early age, but I wasn't always pleased with the results of their decision.
So, please always remember that my intentions are never to offend or insult any of you, my brothers and sisters. Subhan'Allah Alhamdulillah.
