On March 3, 2011, hundreds of impassioned protesters stood outside the Yoruba Linda Community Center shouting at Muslim families and children “Go Home, Go Home, Go Home.”

Ironically enough, for these Muslims America is home. Many of the Muslims present were native born.

The occasion was a fund-raising dinner for the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) to aid impoverished Americans of ALL religions, race, or ethnicity.  Event attendee Adel Syed said,

“As an American citizen, it is hurtful. I’m being told to go back home. I’m actually from Fullerton.”

The protest which was captured on tape has become the latest viral video that has inflamed cyberspace.  Social mediums like Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube are littered with angry condemnation of the protest while some have excitedly and blatantly voiced their deprecating hatred of Muslims across the globe.

One particular highlight of the protest that had viewers shocked was from a prominent Tea Party Councilwoman Deborah Pauly, also known as Crazy Pauly.

In her unforgettable speech to the crowd, she refers to the organizers of the ICNA as “enemies of America” and “terrorist instigators” who have planned an event (a benefit dinner) that is “pure, unadulterated evil.” But wait, she doesn’t stop there!  She goes on to say,

“I have a wonderful 19-year-old son who’s a United States Marine.  As a matter of fact I know quite a few Marines who would be very happy to help these terrorists to an early meeting in paradise.”

The detestation is clear from the crowd as hundreds clap, chant, and laugh in unison to an apparently funny and not-so-veiled death threat made by an American civil servant.

The protesters claimed the ICNA had terrorist connections. To other’s the ICNA is better know as a charitable organisation giving money to across the US providing disaster relief, mobile soup kitchens and women’s shelters

From the Muslim community, the response to the protest was one of self contained dignity and tolerance.  ICNA spokesman, Waqas Syed states,

“we at ICNA fully affirm the right of protesters to free speech.”

Free speech is something that is constitutionally guaranteed by the first amendment but what else is guaranteed?

How about freedom of religion? It seems some have forgotten this is also a civil liberty all US citizen’s enjoy.