William Traywick Jr.: Don’t let zealots take away freedoms

The shooting in Garland, Texas, of two Islamic zealots trying to employ deadly force to squelch freedom of speech should not deter others from practicing the inherent right of freedom of expression embedded in our federal Constitution. Adherents to the Islamic faith proclaim themselves peaceful, provided one does not disagree with them.

When serving a 27-month tour of duty with the Air Force in Adana, Turkey, I read the Quran and observed the lifestyle of a society comprised of 98 percent Sunni Muslim. In Sharia Law there exists no freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, press, religion and separation of religion and state.

In the United States, we have practiced tolerance of these rights for such an extended period of time that we have been lulled into complacency. In nations where Islam is the state religion, laws proscribing the practice of another theology are “stringently enforced,” no proselytizing allowed.

“Intolerance” is deeply embedded into those nation’s laws and culture. One should read the Quran, and do not let these “compassionate Muslims” do it for them.

Our freedom of speech is a signature of North American society. We cannot have Islamic zealots frightening us into ineffectiveness.

This story was originally published May 20, 2015 at 5:28 PM with the headline "William Traywick Jr.: Don’t let zealots take away freedoms."