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Community Angered Over American’s Slaying
EAGLESWOOD TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The leader of an anti-discrimination group called for tolerance after a sign reading "Stamp out Islam" was posted in the hometown of an American contractor murdered in Saudi Arabia. Aref Assaf, president of the state chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, issued an advisory to its members telling them to be vigilant following news reports of residents angered over the death of Paul M. Johnson Jr. His organization had not heard of any violence committed against Muslims or Arab-Americans in New Jersey.

"It’s sad because we have lost a fellow American from New Jersey, but added to that our entire community is being castigated and blamed for the crimes of others," Assaf said Sunday. "Our patriotism has been questioned and suspect. It’s a difficult feeling to have when you’re a citizen of a country and your loyalty is questioned by your fellow American citizens."

Phil Galasso posted the cardboard sign saying "Stamp out Islam" on a utility pole near his house in Eagleswood Township. It depicted a hand-drawn boot over a crescent and star. "I’m getting a little fed up with the mindless violence against civilians who had nothing to do with the war in the Middle East," Galasso said.

Another sign hung on the mailbox of the house next to that of Johnson’s sister, Donna Mayeux, in Little Egg Harbor Township. "Last night Islamics had a chance to speak up for Paul Johnson but today it’s too late," the sign read. "Islamics better wake up and start thinking about tomorrow."
One more major incident and we'll see signs like this all across the country.
The owner of the house where the sign was hung took it down Sunday morning and said he didn’t know who had put it up. He added that he didn’t know anyone in town who felt that way.

Joe Giberson, a police detective in nearby Stafford Township, said he was dismayed when he saw news reports of the sign in Little Egg Harbor. "I hope it’s not the feelings of the people," Giberson said. "We can’t be the same way like what happened to Mr. Johnson." Among those urging tolerance was the minister at the church where Mayeux worships. Pastor Gene Huber noted Johnson’s family’s grief and struggle in the face of cruelty, but said turning to faith would "enable them to become champions of grace in a world of wickedness."
The phrase I was thinking of, Padre, was along the lines of "praise the Lord and pass the ammunition."
Members of New Jersey’s Arab-American community had gathered over the weekend to condemn the murder, denouncing it as "repulsive" and "cold-blooded" during a rally in Paterson. Assaf told those at the rally it is "unfortunate" that perceptions remain that American Muslims share the same anti-American opinions that terrorists do. "Most of us left everything to come to this country," he said. "The last thing we want to see is America damaged, or vandalized or demonized."
You're going to have to speak up.

Posted by: Anonymous4617 2004-06-21
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=36059