Harrison has issued an embarrassing, pleading apology: “I want to sincerely apologize to the Plano Muslim Community for the unintentional hurt I caused by reposting something on my personal Facebook page that wrongfully implied I am anti-Muslim…” This has not, of course, mollified those who want him to resign. But amid all his cringe-making groveling, Harrison makes a valid point: “My intent on inputting this on my personal Facebook page was to emphasize that Christianity is not the only religion being targeted for exclusion in our public school. It was not meant as a personal attack against the Islamic faith. As a Christian, it is my belief that all should be free to worship as they choose, but we live in a time where any practice of religious expression in public schools is rarely tolerated. My hope is that due to the rightful negative response to my post, that it will spark a renewed discussion about all religions and their place in our public schools.”
In an age when we have seen numerous public schools teaching Islamic proselytizing material, and when many public schools are setting aside prayer rooms for Muslim students while continuing to forbid prayers by non-Muslim students, this is a perfectly reasonable statement. Should Islam be taught as fact in public schools, and given a privileged position not accorded to other religions? But reason is so very much out of fashion these days. Watch for it to be ignored here, and Harrison to be driven from office and disgraced utterly for his “Islamophobia.” After his kneeling, kowtowing apology, it is hard to have any sympathy for him.
“Plano Mayor Calls on Councilman to Resign Over Facebook Post on Islam,” by Diana Zoga, NBCDFW.com, February 15, 2018 (thanks to the Geller Report):
Tuesday night, a short video featuring school scenes and girls in hijabs with the words “Share if you think Trump should ban Islam in American schools” was shared by Plano City Councilman Tom Harrison’s Facebook page.
The video stayed on the page for most of the day Wednesday, even as Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere says he and the city manager tried to reach the councilman for an explanation.
“I waited to hopefully see some type of retraction that his account was hacked,” LaRosiliere said. “I’m not sure why that was there, but that didn’t happen.”
At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, LaRosiliere publicly called on Harrison to resign.
“Mr. Harrison’s position indicates that he is unfit to represent this richly diverse city. This conduct is inconsistent with the values of the city of Plano,” LaRosiliere said.
LaRosiliere said Harrison had not previously expressed any views about Islam to the mayor or during official city meetings.
Harrison was elected to the city council in 2015 for a four-year term. His Facebook page shows consistent posts about city business and his views on city issues.
NBC 5 tried to reach Harrison Wednesday afternoon by calling his city phone and emailing his city email account. A reporter left a voicemail on his mobile phone, a note on his door at home and sent him a Facebook message. NBC 5 reached his adult son by phone who said his dad was in doctors’ appointments and the message would be passed on.
Later Wednesday afternoon, the Facebook post was taken down, and by Wednesday evening Harrison posted an apology but did not address the mayor’s call for him to resign.
The video shared on Harrison’s page was from a Facebook group called “Joined Hands Across America for Trump.” The video doesn’t specify what is meant by banning Islam from schools, whether that means banning world religion lessons, prayer or Muslim students.
“I’m a mom, I’m a city of Plano resident, I’m also a Muslim, so the post kind of struck a chord in many ways for me,” said Suzanne, who declined to give her last name publicly.
She said a friend sent her a screenshot of the post early Wednesday morning. It upset her enough to begin emailing the city and then make the trip to city hall to hear directly from the mayor.
“When it comes to public servants voicing their opinions in the public sphere that can easily be accessed by everyone — children and adults alike — I think that bears with it some kind of responsibility,” Suzanne said.
Imam Omar Suleiman, of Faith Forward Dallas and an Irving resident, said the sharing of the video on Facebook is concerning coming from a public official.
“When an entire group of people are targeted either by a teacher or an elected official, then those people are unfit to educate or to lead,” Suleiman said. “I think that’s what the post is really all about.”
He says if Harrison does not resign, he expects the community will continue to look for political consequences for the post.
“We’re going to stage protests, we’re going to continue to mobilize to make sure that the councilman is replaced,” Suleiman said.
Nafis Pathan, of the Islamic Association of Collin County, says his community has been active with the city of Plano and that he was disappointed in Harrison but pleased with the mayor’s response.
“I hope the city councilman understands the consequences and accepts the demand from Mayor Harry [LaRosiliere],” Pathan said….
Harrison’s full apology follows:
“I want to sincerely apologize to the Plano Muslim Community for the unintentional hurt I caused by reposting something on my personal Facebook page that wrongfully implied I am anti-Muslim. My intent on inputting this on my personal Facebook page was to emphasize that Christianity is not the only religion being targeted for exclusion in our public school. It was not meant as a personal attack against the Islamic faith. As a Christian, it is my belief that all should be free to worship as they choose, but we live in a time where any practice of religious expression in public schools is rarely tolerated. My hope is that due to the rightful negative response to my post, that it will spark a renewed discussion about all religions and their place in our public schools. My other regret is that my personal action has reflected poorly on the City of Plano. My action was personal in nature, but I should have remembered this past Monday night’s Council discussion …. none of us are ever truly off duty. None of us are perfect, and we will all be judged one day by the highest authority. Until then, I ask for forgiveness within the community and acceptance of my sincere apology.”
boakai ngombu says
dhimmitude is upon us. Saudi efforts to focus the debate are alive in Dallas and Plano; supremacy is the order
the allah god of islam (unknowable; the best of all deceivers) must be very gay about this. and the slaves (Muslims) who abide by SHARIA … and those who do not so much … will seek to praise their pedophile, rapist, robber, sadist, psychopath exemplar muhammad (lately contrived; full of lusts; lacking compassion)
wakeup TX
Redbug says
We used to live in Lucas, TX, not far from Plano, many years ago. One of the largest Islamic Mosques is in Plano, so no wonder the “outcry”…..So sad to see this in our schools; All over America, this is happening. Wake up, America…..
boakai ngombu says
i don’t doubt that a few are thinking of what to do with the Dallas Cowboys Stadium once it is sold to the mosque.
there must be some with visions of throwing homosexuals off the catwalks … stoning adulterers …beheadings en masse (doing things BIG in TX) … and then there would be an apt venue for Q recitation contests and celebrations of poetic offerings …
the entry levels could probably be partitioned off for slave markets
that’s what SHARIA will bring
gravenimage says
That is exactly what the Taliban did with the soccer stadium in Kabul.
John Stefan Obeda says
God help us to speak the truth, and when we do and a Muslim fights us, God help us NOT to apologize even if we are fired. Yeah, how easy it is for me to write that. BUT what would I do if I would have a family to feed? Jesus spoke the truth and was vilified and crucified. But isn’t truth more important that our very life? God, help us all or else our enemy will take over our country in due time.
mortimer says
Kowtow, which is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese, is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one’s head touching the ground. An alternative Chinese term is ketou; however, the meaning is somewhat altered: kou has the general meaning of knock, whereas ke has the general meaning of “touch upon”, tou meaning head.
Tom Harrison prostrated himself to Islam. Tom Harrison is now a DHIMMI.
duh swami says
There is no benefit to kuffar to include Islam in anything…
Stacy Girl says
“When an entire group of people is targeted…” Yes, that would be the group to whom you refer as Infidels. And somehow permissible.
PRCS says
1. As they are almost never asked–and respond honestly even less frequently to those infrequent queries– about Islam’s written hatred of, and conduct toward “unbelievers”, the “Muslim community” has been given and continues to receive a pass on that.
2. At the very least, the city must comply with any and all existing “kuffar” laws relevant to both the teaching and the practice of any and all religions in their public school system Providing special spaces as an aspect of “reasonable accommodation” for the followers of any religion–only–is discriminatory and must not be tolerated. Either provide that “benefit” for everyone, or no one.
3.Teaching what religion is should be conducted in a relevant (world history??) curriculum without presenting unprovable religious beliefs (no matter the religion) as facts: (It’s a fact that Qur’an 5:33 commands the amputation of a human being’s hand and foot on opposite sides as but one barbaric punishment, whereas the belief that it was revealed by “Allah” is just that).
StellaSaidSo says
+1
D-spot says
Is this really what it has come to? when called to account – you fold and beg like a little girl? Education is our only hope for a better world – that is why the separation of religion and state. Appreciation of math, science, great literature is the business of schools. what you learn at home is not, or should not, be the concern of your teacher. look to any theocracy for evident proof.
gravenimage says
At least he said something. Most Infidels don’t even do that much.
StellaSaidSo says
This man may have been threatened. Many a retraction is achieved by such means.
pfwag says
I suppose they won’t ban the Nazis or KK either? Islam is equivalent to both.
MFritz says
Once you start to excuse, they have won. And it will never be enough for them. They will not rest until you have resigned AND they have ruined you. So either stand your ground – or go down in shame.
Timothy says
All the school officials jump in with their progressively brainwashed minds to attack the man. These attacking teachers are blinded by the Islamophobic mindset they have. These teachers watch as their young students run around the classroom wearing hijabs not knowing about the Islamic oppression that it represents. This is all about the war in the information battlespace.
No Muzzies Here says
It should be banned from schools. And no apology is needed.
CRUSADER says
But isn’t what he said what his constituents also believe?
Plano must see Islam more plainly.
DogOnPorch says
Islam…so f——– tired.
JawsV says
Yep. Since September 11, 2001.
Indiana Tom says
Uhh…better rewind that clock by about 1400 years.
CRUSADER says
So….as for Islam in US public school system…when it aids the Islamists to say that Islam is a religion, it cannot be touched…but suddenly it isn’t a religion so that it can be taught in schools….
Texas has been battling Dhimmitude in the School Board, as well as against Islamists for a while
regarding:
TNT’s Mission – Truth In Textbooks
truthintexastextbooks.com/mission/
To provide the children of America the most accurate and informative social studies books possible. To accomplish this mission TNT has set these goals: 100 % accuracy in identifying errors and corrections Identify misstatements of fact, notable omissions, imbalances and/or opinions.
“As a Christian, it is my belief that all should be free to worship as they choose…”
Does that make sense?
Or does this:
“As a Christian, it is my belief that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and the message of His Love is what we should be called to.”
+++++++++
DEUS VULT
+++++++++
Indiana Tom says
Plano councilman pressured to quit for calling for banning of Islam from schools.
and yet…
For more than a decade the McKinney School District held graduation ceremonies for three of its high schools in the massive sanctuary of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
But that tradition ended abruptly after a group of atheists, agnostics and free-thinkers complained about a public school system using a building that belongs to a Christian church.
It was our refusal to remove the cross from view that created this cowardly decision,” Pastor Jack Graham wrote on Twitter. “It appears religious freedom is under attack at the McKinney Public Schools.”
https://www.toddstarnes.com/show/pastor-school-district-told-us-remove-cross-sanctuary/
gravenimage says
Texas: Plano councilman pressured to quit for calling for banning of Islam from schools
………………….
Appalling. I used to think this sort of thing could never happen in places like Texas.
CRUSADER says
HolyLand Trial….
CRUSADER says
MUSLIM PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS —
In the 1990’s, just a few years after The Lord’s Prayer was removed from public schools, Muslim families requested the right for their children to pray in school; particularly on Friday, their Holy Day. Schools in Peel have been providing Muslim students a space for Friday prayers for 20 years. The school board stresses that it is not promoting or teaching any religion. In the past few years, parents of non-Muslim students have lodged complaints.
Amira Elghawaby, the communications director for the National Council of Canadian Muslims has stated that this issue is “simply Islamophobia. Its anti-Muslim sentiment … couched in a concern about religion in schools. It would be disheartening if indeed people are bringing any sort of baggage from their own maybe experiences in another country to this debate. That would be unfortunate.”
https://dianebederman.com/muslim-prayer-in-public-schools/
PRCS says
Yes, that was an informative and thought provoking article: one with relevance to this Plano, Tx situation.
———–
“Muslim prayer in public schools
Muslims who pray 5 times a day, repeat at least 17 times the verse: “The path of those you bestowed favours upon, not those who have incurred (Your) wrath and those who have deviated.”
From Imam Omar Subedar of the Peel District School Board Faith Leaders Network, Imam at Makki Masjid in Brampton, Ontario and Vice President of Mathabah Institute regarding the verse:
“I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful. Not the path of those who have incurred Your anger or path of those who have deviated, who have fallen astray. Now who are these people? Whom are the categories Allah (swt) is referring to? The first group, the prophet (pbuh) has identified as the Jews (اليهود), and the second group “those who have deviated,’ the prophet , peace and blessing upon him, has identified them as Christians (اليهود).”
How does this help with diversity in Canada? How does this bring different peoples together in accepting our common shared values: the most important one that underpins the Constitution is that all people are born with equal intrinsic value? Does this prayer not deny that primary value? And should we be concerned that a member of the Peel School board is preaching these ideas?”
Of even greater importance: that it’s said by Muslims–around the world–every day.
PRCS says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=nEhk_J-A1fY
Lydia Church says
Well I won’t tiptoe around; I’m anti-islam.
I’m nice to everyone within reason but I’m against the religion of islam.
And that is carried out by what I say and do as well.
No apology for this either.
Eric jones says
The Christian community in Plano should be supporting Mr. Harrison. They should not be leaving him to feel isolated.
Eric
tgusa says
I would have said, Vote Harrison! Right up until he made his first and only mistake and apologized. I have no patience for that sort of thing any more. He probably has/had a lot of support, as is said, under the (leftist) radar. You can always take that apology back sir.
Ibrahim itace muhammed says
This ugly old monkey is suffering from mental delusion due to Satan’s (holy spirit) possession. majority in the West have now discovered the truth about islam as restoration of monotheism taught by previous prophets like Abraham, moses and true Jésus. They are rejecing pagan doctrines líke Godman and begotten son of God from mithraism.
Fred says
The only one suffering from mental delusion is you.
boakai ngombu says
itace, i don’t agree that Jews and Christians corrupted the supposedly pure original monotheism. the allah god of islam (unknowable; the best of all deceivers) is not righteous and pure; it demands complete submission to its devious ways, the brutality of which is breathtaking.
you taut pure monotheism. surely we could see beneficial result of that in your brothers and sisters. we see lack of compassion, mistrust and cruelty. no happiness or joy. no love. islam does not improve humanity. islam encourages subjugation of humans.
God is love. i dare say He even has love for you. you could know that, but such knowledge does involve the God/Man you dismiss. it does involve the Holy Spirit, whom you blaspheme. (the Spirit enables you to understand and have faith).
you cannot love, now, because you have not love for the Living God. that’s because the allah god doesn’t love. it hates, denigrates, dominates. sends its slaves (muslims) to humiliate and degrade and abase others. it show contempt for human beings through the SHARIA (enslavement tool) where it kills the soul of people like you and me. it is no mystery why you have no love and are dead in soul and mind.
you have been misled by false teachers who convey error in understanding. your monotheism is not without issues of truthfulness and amazing result.
that human, that man, whom you called “monkey” does have love for others. he will be hounded by the likes of you; probably already has been forced to recant. but he did something good for others and you can’t do that now in the eyes of the Living God.
test: be compassionate to your mother and all your father’s wives, their sons and daughters … don’t forget aunts and uncles on all sides of the family. its in family where humans learn to love and take care.
gravenimage says
Ibrahim itace muhammed wants to see children taught to rape and slaughter Infidels. *Ugh*.
terry says
Ban islam from the schools, , not muslims.
Ibrahim itace muhammed says
Terry, rather It is filthy mithraist christianity that should banned because it instills insanity as Satan’s (holy spirit) possession with yahwe and his wife Ashera Idols frightening children
Troybeam says
You idiot, you stood up and made a stand then backed down to appease Islam, another ignorant fool who would rather kiss Islam’s ass than make a stand for America.
Hogdude says
Pork sandwiches for all Sharia law supporters of Islam and Muhammed gets a ham sandwich.
Bindon Blood says
It is everywhere. Islam is bullying everywhere it goes. The same types of sensible,honest people raise their head to comment on what is going to develop into a real tragedy and they are instantly shot down. Then comes the grovelling to the “ religion of peace” This scenario is played out regularly across the Western world.
The electorate must start asking politicians “why have the political class chosen Islam to be the country’s pin up religion?” Demand a real and comprehdnsive answer. It is time for truth.
Doug Smith says
One only has to look at the decisions of the USSC over the past 200 yrs to see that Harrison is spot on with his position. (See https://infidels.org/library/modern/church-state/decisions.html) This is not a new discussion and certainly is not open for discussion as far as the USSC’s decisions over the yrs. Stand tuff Mr. Harrison. U have the backing of true Americans and U have no need to apologize.
ron says
its becoming obvious what the one world religion spoke of in the book of revelations will be.
AP says
Everyone need to protest Islam in our schools. If you don’t speak up you will regret it. They are in it to win it.