Respect

Today is Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar and the holiest, filled with extra prayer, fasting and charitable deeds. It's a very real sacrifice for the followers of Allah. I know this because during the past month, when my daughter's boyfriend, Yahya, came over for dinner, he would just sit at the table watching us eat, salivating at every forkful of beef, chicken, and pork. HA, just kidding. No pork. Fasting during daylight hours, just by itself, is a very difficult thing to do in a place where food is as celebrated as it is in the United States. It takes a yard of personal strength and commitment. I marvel at his covenant.

Likewise during lent, many Christians sacrifice during the 6-week liturgical observance. They give up luxuries, and comfort. Many fast symbolizing Christ's 40-day journey through the desert. It concludes with the celebration of Easter. My wife, Susan takes this time very seriously and again, I have nothing but respect for her commitment.

As an agnostic, it's difficult for me to relate to the personal conviction these two have for their faith. But that doesn't mean I can't respect and admire it. Truth be told, I'm actually a little jealous because of my lack of conviction. These examples should be admired. Religious faith is a personal decision and those who choose to follow the precepts of their faith do so because in their core, they believe it is right and necessary for their relationship with their higher power.

I get pissed off when I hear things like, "all Christians," or "all Muslims." This is one of the big reasons why I don't listen to the punditry of politicians and celebrities and rarely watch the national news. I understand that it's hard to control stupid but when assholes like Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims stand on street corners berating teenage girls and old women for their Christian faith, it drags our whole society down and perpetuates this concept of, "all."

Likewise, when former congressman Dave Brat was running for re-election, he accused his challenger of having terrorist ties because she was a substitute teacher at an Islamic college-prep school. Fortunately, the Republican moron lost.

If a person is a dick, then they're a dick. It shouldn't matter who they pray to.

So, Eid Mubarek my muslim friends. Eat everything you want today!!