ImmutableType.com

As a legal immigrant, I came to the United States because I believe in America’s promise of freedom and democracy. Freedom is not just an idea here. It is a way of life worth defending.🇺🇸 I did not come to burn flags or hate this nation. I did not come to impose my beliefs on anyone. I did not come to conquer America. I did not come to rewrite the Constitution. I did not come to shame others for their faith or values. I did not come to tear down what generations have built. I did not come to exploit America’s generosity, or weaken its institutions. I did not come to replace American values. This country gave me a home. It gave me a family. It gave me a voice so I can speak freely without fear. It gave me an education in the classroom and in life. It gave me teammates who became brothers. It gave me a community of people from all walks of life who embraced me. It gave me a platform to stand up for human rights and defend the voiceless. It gave me a future filled with hope and opportunity. It gave me a sense of belonging, a place where I can proudly say, this is home. I came to live freely, work hard, follow the law, and contribute to the country that gave me opportunity, and to respect the values that have made the United States the greatest nation on earth. I am here because of what this nation stands for. The Constitution, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and equal justice are the foundation of America, and they are the values that drew me here and keep me committed to defending this country not just when it is easy, but when it is tested. They remind me that America is not defined by where you are born, but by what you believe in, what you stand for, and how willing you are to protect freedom for yourself and for others. Because of that, let me be very clear. Burning the American flag and chanting death to America is unacceptable and horrific. If you hate America, if you celebrate its destruction, you do not represent freedom, faith, or justice. Patriotism means standing with innocent victims, supporting law enforcement, and defending this country against its enemies. America has both the right and the responsibility to protect itself through law and order, strong security, and accountability. As someone who loves America and embraces its principles of freedom and fairness, I feel a personal responsibility to speak up. Being a Muslim American, I know firsthand that loving this country means being clear about the difference between peaceful Islam and the ideologies that misuse religion. That’s why we must be clear about an important distinction: there is a difference between peaceful Islam, radicalism, and political Islam. Peaceful Islam is personal faith. It is about worship, family, charity, and living peacefully under the laws of the country you call home. Radicalism is violence. It is terrorism. It targets innocent people and must be crushed wherever it appears. Political Islam is an ideology that uses religion to gain power, control governments, and override democratic laws. That is not compatible with freedom, and it must be confronted directly. At its core, Islam teaches principles that are very clear. Faith cannot be forced. Laws and agreements must be respected. Innocent life is sacred. People of other religions must be treated with dignity. Extremism and chaos must be rejected. Those who abandon these principles are not practicing faith. They are distorting it. This country has given me so much, and I am grateful every single day for the principles it stands for. Anyone who comes to the United States should share that respect for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. If someone hates America, hates its flag, and hates what this nation stands for, then they do not belong here. foxnews.com/opinion/enes-kan…