COURTESY THE TELEGRAPH
As the world expressed disbelief over US Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s controversial statements calling for a mandatory registry of Muslims, a former US marine knew how to tackle the situation best.
An American Muslim, Tayyib M Rashid, had @muslimmarine trending worldwide after he posted a photo of his US Marine Corps ID card with the caption, “Hey @realDonaldTrump, I’m an American Muslim and I already carry a special ID badge. Where’s yours?”
The tweet which the marine posted after Trump said he would be open to the idea of introducing special ID cards for American Muslims, has gone viral since with over 22,000 retweets.
Rashid explained he served in the US Marine Corps for five years from 1997-2002, adding, “Once a marine always a marine.”
Trump’s statement caused furor and prompted immediate comparisons to the treatment of Jewish Germans in the Nazi era.
However, while Trump’s comments incited outrage, Rashid’s Twitter rebuttal of Trump’s comments received tremendous support and praise world over.
While some apologised for Trump’s comments, many thanked Rashid for his service for the United States.
Semper Fi Sargent Rashid. The xenophobia that is sweeping America is disrespecting of individuals like you who so proudly serve our country.
U-RAH, Sergeant Rashid! Yes, that's why we serve, so as to ensure the freedoms of our citizens AND repay the debit we owe this country when our ancestors emigrated to these shores years ago. Scary to think that a candidate for the highest office in our land is using the politics of fear to stay in the media spotlight. (Hillary and her team are just sitting back laughing). Can't folks understand that this is all part of the ISIS play book, to get 'us' so worked up that we turn against the US Muslim community and its members which will serve to turn them toward ISIS?
As a side note, do we really think someone planning to launch a terror attack with suicide belts / vests at a stadium is going to take their Syrian passport with them to the attack (as was supposedly the case in Paris) so that it could be found next to them afterwards? US governors are saying 'no' to the US bringing in only 10,000 Syrian immigrants based on fear of attacks! Come on Americans, we are playing right into ISIS' plan via the media and our 'politics of fear'. Shutting our doors to those seeking refuge from oppressive regimes like Bashar al-Assad's in Syria goes against this countries founding principles. PEOPLE, WE CAN NOT SHOW FEAR!
(PS, Tayyib, pretty sure that you need to turn in that expired active duty ID card to your local military base or reserve center. As it says on the back, 'US GOVERNMENT PROPERTY'. Of course, your call.)
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