The Qur’an-burning “pastor” is coming back to Dearborn on June 14. He will be here to display the same old hatred, racism and xenophobia he has passionately upheld since he rose to infamy for burning the Qur’an in 2010.

This time, the Florida-based pastor is bringing a gang of motorcyclists with him. They plan on protesting against “Sharia Law” in front of both the Islamic Center of America and Edsel Ford High School. The hatred directed against Dearborn is nothing but an attempt to grab headlines and raise money from people who do not know how productive, peaceful and essential the Arab and Muslim communities are to Dearborn and southeast Michigan in general. 

However, we have to be careful in how we deal with these extremists. Their visit is an opportunity for us to show the nation the true face of our community: Our success stories, thriving businesses and harmonious assimilation with our greater American surrounding. 

The bigots’ visit coincides with Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the U.S. flag during the American Revolution in 1777. This is a chance for us to show our patriotism by displaying American flags on our storefronts and in our front yards.  

The suggestion that Sharia Law is being implemented in Dearborn is absurd. When Muslims’ religious practices are accommodated by state and private institutions, it is an exercise of constitutional rights, which grant freedom of religion. But we must be aware that the First Amendment that protects freedom of religion also grants freedom of speech and assembly. As despicable as it is to spew hatred at the doors of a high school and a place of worship, the U.S. Constitution puts no limits on speech. All opinions are legal, including those of racists and extremists. 

We cannot stop the pastor and his gang from protesting, so we have to exercise self-restraint and ignore them. Any verbal or physical escalation between them and the residents could portray the entire community as violent and intolerant to free speech. That’s what the extremists want.  Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”

We should not be offended by the views of these extremists because they, themselves, might not even believe them. They are after money and attention. 

The police should also be aware of the sensitivity of this case and its possible repercussions to our community. They should make the protesters’ rights and limitations known, while protecting private property and ensuring public safety.

Hate and negativity are coming to our city. Let’s turn it into an occasion to highlight the positives and acceptance of our community.