Extremists don’t represent Islam
I have been reading the news about the city of Kennesaw rejecting the application to lease a worship space for Muslims in a local strip mall (“Behind Kennesaw’s rejection of a storefront mosque,” Metro, Dec. 4). I am not a member of that particular congregation, but as a fellow Muslim, I am disappointed about this decision, since the U.S. Constitution is very clear about freedom of religion for every U.S. citizen. The denial is discriminatory since a Christian church, which filed a similar lease application in July, was approved whereas the Islamic group was rejected over “zoning issues.” Comments by some Kennesaw residents (about) the fear and discomfort they feel about Islam and Muslims might have played a role in the decision.
Keeping in view the recent atrocities committed by ISIS in the name of Islam, I completely understand the uneasiness some people might feel about Muslims, Shariah or Islam; but as a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which bears the motto “Love for all, hatred for none,” I would like to welcome everybody to learn about Islam as a religion that promotes peace and love instead of violence and terrorism as practiced by ISIS or other extremist minds abusing its name.
SAIMA AHMAD, SUWANEE
Reed should focus on city’s priorities
In response to “Reed predicts new effort for area transit” (Metro, Dec. 5), it is commendable Mayor Reed also recognizes and will advocate for a strong early childhood education system. However, the mayor has no charter purview over the Atlanta Public School system. The mayor needs to focus on providing essential city services.
As a homeowner and tax payer, I would like to see him focus on: 1. Presenting balanced budgets without raising taxes; 2. Continue rebuilding our water/sewer system; 3. Repairing Atlanta’s crumbling infrastructure, including repairing our streets (personally, I would appreciate the potholes on Boulevard being repaired in Grant Park); 4. Getting the streetcar system up and operational, which he can’t seem to do; 5.) Stop losing major league sports teams to the suburbs! and 6.) Improving the cultural life of our city by investing in the arts.
Mayor Reed must be reminded he is not a member of the Atlanta school board. He should allow Meria Carstarphen to do her job as APS superintendent, and he should focus on making Atlanta a better place to live, work and play.
GARY S. COX, ATLANTA
Let’s bring hope to troubled places
What if during the upcoming holiday season in places like Ferguson, each state’s National Guard brings their mobile kitchens into the communities and serve a meal. Then they, along with retailers donating food, could set up job fairs. Recruit from the inner city that needs so much economy-boosting.
TOM COTTON, SENOIA
