It appears that the citizens of Manchester turned a seemingly official warning about abusing the civil rights of Muslims into a gathering about our first amendment right, freedom of speech.
I lived in Manchester years ago for a short time and I think I can probably somewhat still relate to the community pulse. Ive been through there many times since then to visit the nearby city that I grew up in. The town is known to me as being the home of many rock solid and hard working Americans who understand and exercise their rights very well. I watch the crusade march into the area with much concern. It appears the Good citizens of Manchester represented our rights of free speech fearlessly which would be another general trait that Manchester residents can add to their fitting description.
EXCERPTS:
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — U.S. Attorney Bill Killian was greeted with shouts of "traitor," "serpent," and calls to "resign" or "go home" Tuesday night at an event aimed at improving relations between local residents and their Muslim neighbors.
Killian and Kenneth Moore, special agent in charge of the FBI's Knoxville office, were featured speakers before a hostile crowd of well over 300 at the "Public Disclosure in a Diverse Society" event at the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center.
Despite the noisy crowd, Killian began a dry delivery of information about hate crimes, civil rights and the federal laws that prescribe violations and penalties.
The event was sponsored by the American Muslim Advisory Council of Tennessee, which was formed two years ago when state lawmakers were considering legislation that would ban Sharia, the law followed by devout Muslims. Killian initially pitched the event as an effort at improving understanding and tolerance of Muslims and their religious beliefs.
He told the audience that despite 50 prosecutions and convictions of hate crimes in his district, "far too many people are still repeating the same vicious acts against the Arab-Muslim ... " But he was cut off by shouts from the crowd.
Outside, about an hour before the planned event, more than 200 protesters braved the 90-degree heat outside the conference center to hold up signs and sing patriotic songs. Some called it a "pre-rally" to gather those opposed to any encroachments on free speech.
Some people at the impromptu rally were handing out anti-Islamic literature, other patriotic materials and some Christian materials as several speakers were using a megaphone to work up the crowd.
One man's sign read: "In America, you are free to practice your religion, and I am free to insult it."
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