AH!

Recently there was a bit of a scuffle at the SLC airport. I'm not going to review most of the story, so if you are interested, check out the links. (Original story, story that I first heard, and that got me fired up, follow-up--if you only read one, read this one--from KSL)
The really short version is, that cab drivers at the airport had (they've closed it for now) a break room. People used it to eat lunch, go to the bathroom, play chess, and the Muslim cab drivers were using it as a place to pray. This has been going on for a while---I think since 9-11 when airport officials said they could pray in the building to avoid persecution outside the building. Anyone, some nutso decided he didn't like it and attacked one of the Muslims, and is now suing the airport for allowing them to pray in there in the first place. This is where the "AH!" comes in.
Good grief! It is not illegal to pray in a public place! I am getting so angry at vocal, liberal minorities who seem to think "separation of church and state" means that everyone must act like an atheist when anyone else is present. I am too mad to even type coherently on this subject. I keep typing, and then deleting.
The guy who attacked the Muslim said, "In proper, polite company you never bring up politics or religion..." But apparently he thinks it is proper and polite to attack someone else over politics or religion? The "freedom of speech" that we claim in this country means that anyone can say whatever they like--even if it is offensive to others. You can hate any group of people, and yell it at the top of your lungs, you can swear your head off, you can preach from a street corner, you can pray pretty much whenever and wherever you want to. What you do not have the right to do is hurt people for saying, believing or acting in a way you don't agree with.
Argh! There perhaps is more to say on this subject, but I am just too angry to say it. Why can't we all just be nice? Why can't we create an environment of tolerance and respect for others? If you really must hate, at least don't act on it. Rant all you want, persecute them through the law if you feel particularly vindictive, but keep your hands to yourself! This is kindergarten stuff, people!