Controversial 'Draw Mohammed' rally in front of Arizona Mosque. Do you concur?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 01:40:08 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDc_6nioI7o

A rally is planned for this Friday at the Arizona Mosque that seemingly mocks the prophet Mohammed. To make the matters worse, many of the participants are going to be armed.

This movement is a blatant illustration of the defense of 1st Amendment right, and should this right be violated, armed confrontations in defense of 2nd Amendment are to be anticipated.

One of its organizers is a former Marine Jon Ritzheimer who got slammed by Anderson Cooper on CNN. He was unable to stay consistent with his responses and in logical defense for the rally, all while putting his family in jeopardy (saying that he's in the process of relocating due to many threats from Muslims and non-Muslims alike).

What about you, do you agree with hosting such rally? Would you attend if you had an opportunity? Why or why not?

My personal take on this matter. This obviously seems to be a religion-sparked rally, therefore I'd go with my 'religion' of Christianity and why I oppose of this rally. I do NOT oppose of it for the fear of having my family persecuted, but of what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 8.

The chapter outlines practices that would cause a non-believer (or a new-believer in Christ) to stumble. Such habits (whether eating certain foods or conducting other seemingly harmless practices) should not be exercised around such individuals so as not to spite them (causing ungodly struggles).

So logically being at the Mosque and mocking Muhammad with the anticipation of armed resistance would probably not bring much credit to Christianity or American lifestyle, wouldn't you agree? Your turn.

http://www.12news.com/story/news/local/valley/2015/05/27/draw-muhammad-contest-phoenix-anti-islam/28029579/

'Draw Muhammad' contest planned in Phoenix

A group advertising itself as freedom of speech advocates is planning a "Draw Muhammad" cartoon contest and rally at a Phoenix mosque.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 29 at 2015 1:44 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 29 May 2015 01:44:29 -0400

I see absolutely no reason for this rally ... period.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 29 at 2015 1:47 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Fri, 29 May 2015 01:47:34 -0400

I'm all for freedom of speech - but I still think it's stupid. Also, I'd be curious what people would think if it was a "Draw Jesus" contest in front of a church....

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 29 at 2015 2:04 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 29 May 2015 02:04:21 -0400

Freedom of speech doesn't mean it is smart to do, especially in my neighborhood.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 29 at 2015 2:08 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 29 May 2015 02:08:30 -0400

Maybe this is the government's way of baiting ISIS agents even if they are idiots.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 29 at 2015 2:13 AM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Fri, 29 May 2015 02:13:06 -0400

I don't see how it will bring about anything positive. It seems to me that it's a waste of time. I'd rather go out in my neighborhood and invite somone to church.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made May 29 at 2015 2:21 AM

SPC Angel Guma — Fri, 29 May 2015 02:21:01 -0400

What do they hope to gain? In terms of freedom of speech, yeah they have the right. But to insight Muslims and invite hate and bigotry?

There are better ways.

Response by PO2 Matthew White made May 29 at 2015 3:50 AM

PO2 Matthew White — Fri, 29 May 2015 03:50:24 -0400

Here is one very good reason why not to attend or condone this rally. The original drawing of Muhammad on this post showing the bottom of his foot alone is equivalent to giving someone the bird in the states. If that is supposed to be part of an already bad joke or just a mistake made in ignorance of the culture I don't know. Yes I believe they have the right to hold such an event but people also have a right to step on and desecrate our flag. So the question I put to everyone is, since you have the right to be a royal jackass does it necessarily mean you have to exercise that right?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 6:07 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:07:21 -0400

Freedom of speech as well as every other freedom should be used with care and responsibility.

In my opinion this type of demonstration is not really doing that.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 29 at 2015 6:23 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:23:30 -0400

I wouldn't go to a rally such as this not because I don't support their right to have it, I am just not a follower of these type of group activities.

Muhammad is the elephant in the room when it comes to "untouchable" images. Muslims take great offense at anything that might show him in a negative light. I understand the position. If you want to live in a free country then you have to be willing to allow your ox to be gored. God knows Christians have had to put up with it for decades from the left and other organizations that have gone after the church.

Muslims want the protections of the Constitution to advance their causes/religion. They want to be able to speak freely, live freely etc so they need to be able to accept that others can speak as well. They have to be able to take the good with the bad, just like the rest of us. We should not be willing to accept a "seperate but equal" position on this.

Why will they be armed? Well, the last time they had one of these in Texas a couple of islamists showed up ready to kill. If I was at this event, I would be armed too. Not for offensive purposes but defensive.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 29 at 2015 6:37 AM

MSgt Brian Welch — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:37:08 -0400

Ok, 1st amendment rights, 2nd amendment rights... they are great and we all serve/d to protect them. Some who also exercise their rights are just plan jerks about it. Does the KKK have the right to hold a rally on MLK Blvd? Sure they do, good luck with that. I swore to protect the freedoms afforded under the constitution but the individuals that exercise them in an inflammatory way are simply on there own in my book.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 29 at 2015 6:42 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:42:56 -0400

This is simply asking for trouble disguised as freedom of speech. It's a lose-lose situation. Other than puffing their chests at their right to do so, what are the organizers hoping to gain?

And we wonder why no one can just get along?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 29 at 2015 6:47 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:47:48 -0400

"the rally also encourages participants to utilize their second amendment right at this event just in case our first amendment right comes under the much anticipated attack."

Real MENSA members at work here! They're also goating a gun battle, really nice!!

Response by TSgt David L. made May 29 at 2015 8:51 AM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 29 May 2015 08:51:18 -0400

I'm not going to hide behind a bile verse, which can always be interpreted to suit a certain point of view.
I think that the simple act of drawing a religious character should and will be protected by the 1st amendment. Why not? If someone had a "Draw Jesus" rally outside a Christian church do you think it would be wrong? Why or why not? So for fear of offending someone we should hide instead of having this rally? I don't think so. I would defend the persons right to freely draw Mickey Mouse if that was the case. That is what we signed up to defend. you can't pick and choose WHICH part of a right you defend.
Is it stupid? Sure. Don't like it? don't go...
My two cents.

Response by SPC Fred Krauer made May 29 at 2015 10:31 AM

SPC Fred Krauer — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:31:53 -0400

Not my monkeys, not my circus. Meaning... I don't know anyone participating and it's not anything I am involved in. I wouldn't do it but I'll gladly sit back and watch for things to get interesting. It's obvious provocation, but it's free speech. It's no different than a muslim spitting on or burning the flag in the eyes of the law.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made May 29 at 2015 10:49 AM

SSG Brian Kresge — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:49:49 -0400

I live by "don't borrow trouble," and surely, this does. But the First Amendment's exercise isn't preconditioned on risk assessments or intelligence. I believe the Founders put a lot of faith in the discretion of those empowered by freedom. I'm sad these folks are letting us down, but this, too, shall pass. The appropriate response is for those so inclined to let their patriotic Muslim-American friends know not all of us are a bunch of nitwits.

I will say this, I wish these so-called "freedom lovers" wouldn't just do a drive by on their recruiter's office. Ersatz tough-guys who have no idea that the real consequence for these activities is for the actual brave men and women who serve this great nation who serve overseas, where the real outrage is likely to manifest.

"Owning a gun / p--sing off Muslims" < serving in the military.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 29 at 2015 1:36 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:36:37 -0400

Here we go again, again, and again

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 29 at 2015 1:54 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:54:39 -0400

Do you think the artist intentionally shows the bottom of this character's left foot, right smack in the middle of the picture?

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made May 29 at 2015 6:24 PM

SGT Timothy Rocheleau — Fri, 29 May 2015 18:24:49 -0400

Irregardless of how any of us feel about this it doesn't really matter. Is it dumb? What does it prove? They're itching for a fight! Blah blah blah, it's a constitutionally guaranteed right, the minute you give one away you better be prepared to give them all away. If you oppose the rally stay home. If you live in the area that t is being held and have a fear that some tragedy is going to occur take your family on a hike in the mountains far away from the event. Should you have to avoid your home or an area of your town? Absolutely not! But should those who feel strongly about this have to forego their rights to hold a rally and protest? Absolutely not! Too many people try to control every one else's lives or simply because person A doesn't agree or think it's a good thing they call it "stupid, ridiculous, a waste of time" or "what does this prove, what are they hoping to accomplish", apparently by a large number of comments on this subject, not only here on RP but on other forums people tend to feel that simply because they wouldn't do it nobody should.

This subject has been debated so many times and will be debated many more times. But the only right answer is "the constitution of the United Dtates guarantees their right to do so"!

Response by MAJ James Woods made May 30 at 2015 7:33 PM

MAJ James Woods — Sat, 30 May 2015 19:33:44 -0400

I agree with everyone. This rally is looking for a fight. The 1st amendment protects freedom of speech in a non violent manner. That's why the KKK and other discrimination groups getaway with it. Peaceful demonstration is the right. Showing up armed is a statement daring an extremist to show up for a stare down contest.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Jun 5 at 2015 9:15 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:15:35 -0400

As far as my understanding of the first ammendment goes, the contest would fall under the umbrella of the first ammendment. Going armed, while still protected under the second ammendment (maybe), is a very thinly veiled threat at best.

Overall it seems like a pretty big d**k move.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 10:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 10:33:44 -0400

What picture do you paint of your self with individual rights without any sign of personal values or individual attributes? Freedom of speech without respect for other's belief? The right to bear arms and ask for a confrontation while you at it?

For the record, I open carry EVERYDAY (and I'm not even law enforcement). Open compels me to be extra courteous and maintain a respectful posture. I also was born in the Middle East in a predominantly Muslim surrounding. My family came to the U.S. In 1996 as refugees fleeing persecution in Sudan. I know what it's like to be stripped of rights first hand. I can also tell you that there is a clear line that is often crossed by individuals now and policymakers in the past. Ironic as it may sound to some of us here: Democracy isn't for everyone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 12:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:43:38 -0400

// To make the matters worse, many of the participants are going to be armed. //

You actually meant, to make matters safe, right? Because here lately, the freedom of speech has been tried and people are running up with guns and knives to kill for Allah and the child molesting prophet.

// This movement is a blatant illustration of the defense of 1st Amendment right... //

GOOD. That's what it is there for. Is it the right thing to do... Eh, it's probably not the smartest.

// This obviously seems to be a religion-sparked rally, therefore I'd go with my 'religion' of Christianity and why I oppose of this rally. //

I am sorry, but this rally has nothing to do with "religion" but everything to do with what is going on in this world. ISIS/ISIL threatening dismemberment because you speak of their prophet, Christian getting decapitated on the streets... Threats for drawings (are you kidding me???)... This is another example of a group of people practicing their 1st amendment right and shoving that in the face of the enemy. Sorry if they don't like it, they don't have to. This does not give them the right to kill. Religion this and that, that is the main problem in this world. I love God and Jesus, the bible... I don't see what this has anything to do with my Christianity and why I would picket the rally. I can't judge what they do. I am very confused about that. AND you did it yourself with the picture of the prophet here on RP. I don't get it.

Response by SPC Americo Garcia made Jun 5 at 2015 12:55 PM

SPC Americo Garcia — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:55:11 -0400

Alright don't be afraid were Americans not some kind of oh my god look what you did. If so they belong on a boat with those stomping flag sons of bitches.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Dec 8 at 2015 8:57 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 20:57:17 -0500

Thank you for reminding me of what the gospel teaches in 1 Corinthians 8.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 8 at 2015 9:05 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 21:05:40 -0500

Most definitely not a good idea. In fact, a very bad one. Acting disrespectfully is never justified. Look at those who erected a Christmas creche with zombies in place of the traditional characters of the manger scene. More importantly, acting disrespectfully detracts from more appropriate messages and actions. For example, over the course of the Obama Administration I have been extremely critical of the President and his cabinet, their statements and their decisions. However, I have never spoken disrespectfully and I object strenuously when others do. Such behavior allows Leftists to dismiss my criticisms as racist. Thus, they are able to avoid confronting the substance of my criticism. Displays such as a Draw Mohammed rally does exactly the same thing.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 9 at 2015 6:17 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:17:31 -0500

The first Amendment does not say I have to like, approve, agree with or revoke when my butt hurts. Rather it ensures that no one is silenced under any circumstances. So this in no way bothers or offends me. As to the Second Amendment, again it ensures every persons right to keep arms it did not specify only if your on the toilet, in the car or on your property so any lawful owner of a firearm has this right. In short rock on!