OPINION UPDATE #3: Point - Counterpoint: Religious Distress In Redmond

POINT: (an excerpt from my post)

"....a VIRTUAL FORUM exposing the group "Alliance for Persecuted People Worldwide" (APPWW), which has been promoting anti-Muslim hate and bigotry, even as it masquerades as a human rights organization."

COUNTERPOINT:  (a comment on my post)

"Please refrain from calling this a hate (APPWW) group.
Please explain how Muslims putting people to death for their Christian beliefs is not hateful.
Please also explain how Muslims peacefully pushing homosexuals off of buildings is not hateful.
Please also explain how female genital mutilation is not hateful towards young women, and towards women in general.
If you can explain all of these things, then maybe you can redefine what hate really means.
You are condoning hatred of Christians in your post - you do realize this, right?"

A controversy of  Hindus discriminating against Muslims was brought forth by councilmember Varisha Kahn, a Muslim activist. This became emotionally challenging for Council President Tanika Padheye and her family;  the mayor intervened.

I met with Councilmember Steve Fields yesterday, with whom I supported in three of his campaigns.  In his coffee shop we discussed his problems with the mayor and Council President. He was distressed about my views of  the anti-muslim hate group controversary; disparagingly, he introduced me to two elected officials as a "trouble-maker."  Very sad. 

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City Council has received 3 thousand emails and scores of presentations addressing this topic.  I know of one councilmember that responded to 300 emails.  Council spent over 3 hours listening to APPWW topics during their last 2 Regular Business meeting.  When will Council find a solution to move forward on the work the public is expecting of them?  Write a resolution and be done with it!  The LWSD manages their firebrand issues with finesse.  Maybe they can help our council. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

     9/4/2020