aloha or allah?

Imagine that you're stepping into your Wayback Machine (remember that great show?). Imagine that you've set the dial for 1949 New York. Now imagine that you're standing on a sidewalk in the Big Apple. You pick up a newspaper. Perusing the headlines, you read that the state legislature has just introduced a bill to recognize the cultural achievements and contributions of the nation of Japan. They've overwhelmingly approved the recognition of a "Japan Day" to be recognized throughout the state.

Just eight years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and four years following the end of World War 2, lawmakers in New York somehow find it appropriate to honor those who so brazenly attacked our country and helped plunge our globe into a time of chaos and destruction. And you ask yourself whether or not anyone living in Hawai'i (let alone anywhere else in the US) would be excited about such a recognition or celebration.

A crazy thought? A goofy idea? A bad script for Sherman and Mr. Peabody? Apparently not. Lawmakers in Hawai'i just last week authored a bill that would create an "Islam Day" in the state, an official day to recognize and honor the contributions and achievements of Islam throughout history.

I won't launch into my diatribe about the absurdity of this proposal. Of the three dissenting voters, one pointed out that the majority of the Muslim world actually cheered the events of 9/11. Setting aside such a day is like rewarding bad behavior, isn't it? And if Hawai'i recognizes the "contributions" of Islam, will other religions, cultures, and political systems (think of Islam as actually being a political system that uses religion to enforce its rules) be recognized as well?

There are those who believe that the greatest threat to our existence is not attack from without but the kind of accommodation from within that leads to political correctness and appeasement. That's what this feels like to me. And how do you think those living in New York might feel about this proclamation?

I can only imagine.