President Trump, They Are Coming To Get You. Candidate Trump controversially called for a complete ban of Muslims when he stated: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.”
There are approximately 1.6 billion Muslims in the world; are they all out to kill Americans? Is it possible, there are people of other faiths from other nations who wish harm on Americans? Should we ban all Chinese since some in China wish ill will on American citizens. Maybe ban all British, Peruvians, or Romanians?
The US and the world should be extremely vigilant against Islamic fundamental terrorism or any other sort of terrorism. But I find these blanket statements covering 20% of the world’s population to be inaccurate, myopic, and dangerous.
I have traveled to a number of predominantly Muslim countries and have incredibly positive experiences, encountered warm hospitality, and felt safe. Jeb Bush accurately stated “”We can’t disassociate ourselves from peace-loving Muslims. If we expect to do this on our own, we will fail. Donald, you’re not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency. Leadership is not about attacking people and disparaging people” in response to Trump anti-Muslim immigration policy. Here are some of the people President Trump wants to ban.
Algeria
I spent 12 days exploring this underrated gem in North Africa. Check out my guide here.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the 3rd largest Muslim country in the world overflowing with 160 million people. I spent several days exploring the capital Dhaka.
Burkina Faso
This West African country is approximately 60% Muslim. I was typically met with some reticence when I broke out my camera, but after some niceties the smiles magically appeared.
Egypt
I spent an awesome week exploring Cairo and meeting tons of great people.
Indonesia
Over 260 million people are spread across this island nation, which is a Muslim-majority nation.
Iran
I spent over a week visiting this amazing country being constantly welcomed and met with smiles when I announced I was from the US. And of course, was happy to meet another Patriots fan.
Iraq
I spent five days walking the streets of Erbil, meeting the locals, sipping tea, sharing meals, and puffing shisha.
Kuwait
I spent only 3 days in Kuwait. One of my encounters was with these off-duty taxi drivers. I sat with them, sipped sweet tea, and smiled a lot since they did not speak English. They even paid for my tea. Arabic hospitality.
Niger
I spent a couple of days exploring Niamey, the capital, in this hot and dusty city.
Syria
I spent almost a week traveling in Syria before the Arab Spring and the current day tragedy. This boy and his father invited me to drink tea at their business.
I was treated like a pasha at this small restaurant during my second visit, where the staff literally spoon fed me many samples of their food.
Somalia
Located in the Horn of Africa, I visited Somaliland, a breakaway area of Somalia. I was welcomed by many and was considered a novelty as I walked the streets.
Tunisia
As a Bostonian, I am an avid Patriots fan. Happy to meet another fan in Tunis.
I strolled down the main avenue in Tunis, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which is lined with outdoor cafes, brimming with activity. I gave this Elvis like impersonator, a second and then triple take. And then took out my camera and to capture this look.
Yemen
I spent only 3 days visiting the capital Sana’a in 2009, and wish I had spent much more time in this unique country.
President Trump, They Are Coming To Get You
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Spot on Ric. Like you, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in many different Muslim countries. I’ve always been treated with respect and have never had a problem. Never.
Trump’s causing a divide in the world. Sadly, many who buy into his BS have never even been to a “Muslim ” country. They get their hatred from fringe websites.
Travel is extremely educational. A lot of the world’s problems would be solved if people traveled more. IMHO.
Agreed to all you have written, I just find it difficult to generalize about over 1 billion people. That type of thinking is very dangerous and damaging. If you are trying to make wise decisions and take smart actions you actually need to know the facts.
You’re always great with the people-pics.
Good post, right on.
Frank (bbqboy)
Thanks Frank!
Muslims tend to cause the most nuisance and tend tend to exploit or prey on individuals that they considered as weak.
I support Trump ban on muslims immigration. Just look how many life they wreck in England itself.
Hi Wendy:
Thanks for your comments. These comments sound very racial and prejudiced. What statistical data do you have that proves your argument? Pointing to a couple of examples in England is not fact based.
It is not only in England. Well, you should see how racist they really are in Middle East and south east Asia and in Europe as well. I think nonmuslims like yourself who are ignorant , even though well travelled, are the ones that are dangerously misleading people with your so called happy travel stories.
you are stating these opinions like facts. what data do you have that proves your statements objectively? your opinions sound more like racial prejudices.
ps I live in SEA. so again, your assumption that I am “happy traveler” being “tricked” does not hold up to the facts.
By the way, you failed to respect my wish to remain Anonymous and my safety. As you know many people on the world can be extremely intolerant and vicious to any anti Muslims comment.
Hi Wendy:
If that is your real name. I believe in an open society. So, when sharing your opinions, you should stand by them. Further, I find it difficult to believe your safety is threatened by me using your name, “Wendy”. If you are that concerned you should probably stay off the internet and keep your biased, uniformed, subjective opinions to yourself.