Bigotry Is Not Welcome in Wayne

A misguided group of hate-filled bigots has recently circulated a letter suggesting that a home under construction in the Packanack Lake community is un-American because the façade includes an Arabic inscription “God has willed. God bless.” A visit to the home reveals that it also flies an American flag. Apparently, the angry “patriots” have forgotten our freedoms of speech and religion. Next thing you know they will be policing our community for Italian flags – or worse Chinese or other Asian characters on restaurants. Fortunately, our Mayor Chris Vergano has assured the homeowners that Wayne will not tolerate any infringements on their freedoms – that Wayne welcomes people of all faiths.

For people who don’t know, I can only add that Muslims have been a vibrant part of Wayne for generations, for example, the Samman’s electronics store that was the preferred place to purchase televisions, etc. Moreover, recent research has revealed that about 2½ million Muslims fought for or labored for the Allied cause in World War II. Need I say more?

By John Pennington

Published in Wayne Today 4/4/2019