What Next, Puritans?

A mosque in Goleta? Perhaps we should consider the European experience. A trickle of Muslims turned into a swarm that formed their own enclaves, imposed their own cruel Sharia laws, and abused their women. Switzerland, a very democratic country, banned the building of mosques. France banned the disguise of veils. I, for one, don’t want to hear the religious wailing from minarets or see women dressed in tents and veils or condone Sharia law. We are a country of laws — but our laws, not theirs. So I suggest we think carefully before this project goes further. Perhaps all the smiling, gentle people portrayed by the Independent will agree to forswear the above. I guess we will see.—Art Hansl