historian's Blog

I found this grist for the gossip mill while researching honey bees. I know bees and pigs? I used Google. And in trying to take a break from the inclemency of Iraq, I thought a break would be diplomatic. Humorous, but yet un-amusing, the issue could offer a bit of comic-relief. I really don't know how I would react if this was my neighborhood. Believing that this member, Alvi Muzfar, of this Katy Islamic Association, and the other Islamic members are legal immigrants and as an American I should treat them as equals.  Remember, America-- Land of the free? And I rest assured that the proper Agencies have checked out each and everyone of the members and find them to be nothing-less than good law-abiding Americans. If that is the case, then why not allow them the right to build? We have Buddhist Temples, off-shoot factions of almost every religion and worship that have built churches etc? I really just cannot honestly answer this one.  Most of all Religious foundations or many I'd say are located in places that they choose in order to avoid parking hassles, intimidation, or a just a tranquil, beautiful countryside setting. Maybe the Islamic folks should have considered the ramifications before picking this location? We are talking about, TEXAS here folks. Home state of a few Presidents’ includes Bush. And I did my basic training in Texas and I know Texans. I kind of think that this may be an avenue for "crying injustice" by the Islamic culture as America is a big country and to choose a location such as they have to build their Mosque is inviting trouble.  Part of me says it's a set-up to scream discrimination while the other me says live and let live with the latter being in tune with a Free America. Guess you can say my decision is "hog-tied."

 

 

 

Locals Start Pig Racing To Deter Mosque Construction

 

From the Houston ABC affiliate KTRK:

Residents use pig races to deter building of mosque

By Ted Oberg

(11/29/06 - KTRK/KATY, TX) - There’s an awful lot of exciting news when you round the corner on Baker Road. One of two big yellow signs announces a new neighbor is coming soon.

"It’s not an appropriate place to have a mosque or church," said resident Barbara Simpson.

It isn’t going over real well.

"As a house of worship, they shouldn’t be disturbing the peace and tranquility of 15 homes," said resident John Wetmore.

Neighbors tell us they’re concerned about traffic and drainage and a little fear of the unknown. Some of the homeowners even offered to buy the land back for more than a million dollars. The K.I.A. doesn’t seem very interested in the offers.

"We’re not going anywhere," said Katy Islamic Association member Alvi Muzfar.

So it seems the community at the end of Baker Road has a pretty good fight. But this fight has gone much farther than many between two neighbors. You see in these fights, sometimes neighbors throw mud at one another. In this instance, they’re wallowing in it.

Craig Baker owns pigs. He’s the guy behind the second big yellow sign on Baker Road. That’s the one announcing Friday night pig races.

"What does it matter, I can do whatever I want with my land right," asked landowner Craig Baker.

Sure can. But aren’t pigs on the property line racing on a Friday night a little offensive to a Muslim neighbor?

"The meat of a pig is prohibited in the religion of Islam," said Katy Islamic Association member Youssof Allam. "It’s looked upon as a dirty creature."

Yeah, there’s that and also that Friday night is a Muslim holy day.

"That is definitely a slap in the face," said Allam..

Now before you go thinking Craig Baker is unfair, or full of hate, or somehow racist, hear him out.

Baker has long roots here. His family named the road and when the new neighbors moved in, he tells us, they asked him to move out.

"Basically that I should package up my family and my business and find a place elsewhere," said Baker. "That’s ridiculous, they just bought the place one week prior and he’s telling me I should think about leaving."

That new owners deny they ever said anything like that, but Baker isn’t budging.

Baker admits the pigs are a message he is not leaving.

The 11-acre property is sandwiched between a pricey subdivision and Craig Baker’s business.

K.I.A. eventually plans to build a mosque, a gym and a school there. There’s no date for the groundbreaking ceremonies, or the first pig race.

I can hear the squealing now.