Rover Morning Show

On 92.3 FM there is the Rover Morning Show. The host of the show is Rover. Today's topic of discussion is a situation in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn has a large Muslim community (more than 11%).

Muslims pray five times each day, and wash up before they pray. Part of this preparation requires washing of the feet. Muslims at a Dearborn school, like many other places, wash up using the sinks in public restrooms. Supposedly, due to the stress of students trying to wash their feet in the sink, sinks are being damaged (like being pulled away from the wall). A lot of money has been spent repairing sinks.

An idea was born that involved the installation of foot-washing stations, which would cost $250,000. This is less than the money being spent repairing sinks. Rover decided to broadcast his opinion that these stations should not be built, that the Muslims should have to pay for repairing the sinks, that they should not be allowed to wash their feet in the sinks, and that they should not even be allowed to pray. Rover has two co-hosts. The female co-host was defending the Muslims while Rover disrespected them, but the male co-host just disrespected Muslims even further.

Rover and his co-hosts are entitled to their opinions, but they should be held accountable for expressing their opinions in a respectable way without attacking any people. It is the duty of a responsible citizen to not be ignorant, respect others' views, and to have an open mind. While the female co-host tried to present a different opinion than Rover's, he talked over her, interrupted her, dismissed her statements, and continued to make more uneducated comments.

Rover stated that the students who are trying to wash their feet in the sink should pay for the "damage" done to the sinks. The female co-host stated that it should not be considered damage, but it should be considered normal "wear and tear." The negative effect on the property of the school is not being caused intentionally. This is not an instance of vandalism. Students use school property daily (like tables, chairs, pencil sharpeners, etc.) so if something breaks during regular use, should the student who happens to be using it when it breaks be responsible for the cost of replacing that equipment?

Muslims should not be allowed to wash their feet in the sinks? Well then where else should they wash them when they are in a public place? The suggestion of Rover's male co-host: If all they need is water, then why don't they just stick their feet in the toilet and flush it? That is an unreasonable comment. It is also an offensive comment. Muslims are not worthy of clean water to wash themselves? They only deserve toilet water?

Muslims should not be allowed to take a break to pray. This is another opinion that should not be broadcast to influence more ignorant people. Rover compared a Muslim taking a break for prayer to himself taking a break to surf the Internet because he is addicted to it. The right to practice religion is protected by law. The privilege to surf the Internet is not. Religion should not be compared to an addiction.

Rover even went as far as saying that no person, regardless of religion, should be allowed to pray. He specifically mentioned Christians. It is not obligatory for Christians to pray five times each day. Therefore, it would not affect Christians as much as Muslims to disallow breaks for prayer. Muslims are obliged to perform five daily prayers.

Rover makes his statements in a condescending and raised tone of voice, indicating hatred. He is spreading his hatred to ignorant people. He will also incite hatred from listeners who disagree with him. If he wants to discuss any topic, he should do it in a professional manner. Otherwise, he should be taken off the air.

There are about 240,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel. There is concern that they are living in poverty. The Israeli government planned to give the survivors $20 a month. The survivors laughed in their faces, and now the government will revise their plan.

The survivors undoubtedly experienced much trauma and hardship during the Holocaust, but the purpose of the Israeli plan is to help with the poverty, not give reparations for all of the hurt caused to Jews.

$20 is equivalent to about 83 shekels (Israeli currency). Palestinians in the occupied territories also use shekels. What can a shekel buy you? Just a few shekels can buy you a whole hot meal. 83 shekels can buy a meal a day for an entire month. There are Palestinian families, including children, passing each day with just one meal. Some don't eat every day.

The rate of poverty among the Palestinians outweighs that of the Israelis. Most Holocaust survivors are senior citizens now. For an elder Israeli who does not have children to support, saying the 83 shekels a month isn't good enough is a slap in the face to Palestinians struggling to feed their children. How can the Israelis be so selfish?

The Israelis should appreciate the effort being made to help them, and should remember that things can always be worse... Think about the families that have NO money and the children that are starving, while you ask for MORE money.