I strongly and loudly applaud Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt’s and others’ decisions to not attend the prayer breakfast. Speaker Lt. Gen. William Boykin doesn’t represent views of this community, nor what seemed to be the foundation and history of this breakfast. His belief that we’re at war with the Muslim world is pathetically misguided. We’re at war with a radical group of extremists using their interpretation to funnel their goals. To say that this position represents the Muslim community is no more accurate than stating the leader of the Antioch Baptist congregation represents the voice and intent of those that are professed to be Christians. Each religion has its history of radical extremism. Christianity, past and present, is certainly among those.
Whether or not this speaker has been told about community “sensitivities” and guided to speak only on inspiration does nothing to cover what he and his message are. Putting a uniform on it doesn’t hide the intent. I applaud the mayor and others for recognizing this for what it is.
There are other venues in which Boykin can express his beliefs that aren’t sponsored, nor endorsed, by the community. If we accept this in the mode of “tolerance,” who can they get next year using that philosophy? If this is the best inspirational speaker the planning committee can find, the mayor’s breakfast needs a new committee.
Dan Wilson
Vancouver
