No Muslim Confabs in Christian Texas



It seems like every day this year some old rule that has been followed for decades is on the chopping block. One is discrimination. Now running on TV where I live is Republican candidate for governor. Speaking in the ad the candidate says he will not allow the state's universities to hire "foreigners." The salaries and requirements of universities today are such natives often do not apply for those jobs but foreign-born people do. I wrote several letters both as a mayor and professor requesting special permission for professors from other countries. They helped staff the place.

A national news item today was about Texas governor Greg Abbot. He said he would pull funding from a municipality that runs a park. The park is rented to groups. A Muslim group wanted to rent the park for a large family gathering. The women would wear burkas and the men appropriate Muslim dress. This group infuriated Gov. Abbot. He is threatening to pull state funding that the park has received. He says a Muslim group that does not invite white Christians is discriminating against his group.

If history has taught us anything, it is that countries which isolate and discriminate stall out while those engaged in trade and new immigrants thrive. The ability of groups to persuade the public to believe ideas that are against their own interests is one of the mysterious weaknesses of democracy. 

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