If you look at me without the Santa hat, it might be easy to confuse me with one of those who are regarded to be of the "Terror nations" as we have come to be taught. The only thing that would save me, is my German heritage, and the fact that I burn, and don't tan... I have actually been confused by some who have no real idea of what is going on, as a "Muslim", because they group all together, and just figure if you have a beard, and possibly long hair, you just might be one... Now, as for those who are properly trained, it is not a problem (yet). I do fit a portion of the profile though. I usually pay cash, I don't need 5 suitcases just to spend the weekend someplace (usually 2-3 pair of jeans, 2-3 T-shirts and if needed, a couple of shirts with some buttons on them), which can easily be carried in a paper sack under my arm, like.... Ok, like a lunch. But, I am the farthest from someone meaning to do harm to anyone in this country, or any other country, unless you directly tread on me. Then it's Katy Bar the Door!!!!! I don't like the word profiling, because like Muslim, it is too broad, and usually used in the wrong way. As a Peace Officer, I can profile. It's legal. It's not like what is being talked about here, or in the news. If there is something that happens, and I have witnesses who give me a good description, I can check ANYONE who matches that description. It may only be white, hispanic, Asian, (East, Mid-East etc), or black. But, the people you detain and investigate, HAVE to match the PROFILE of the DESCRIPTION you were given, and not "maybe they fit". I myself do not intend to offend anyone, Brother or not. But, as many are expressing here, and elsewhere, WE are tired of being offended, and attacked. In the United States, We the People have NO RIGHTS, until we commit a crime. Those who are exercising their Rights, have either committed an offense, or are being investigated for the commission of the crime. We have reasonable expectations of these Rights, but don't expect them just whenever you think you want them. Just look around. I have a good friend who has a tag line I like, If you don't stand be hind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them. I want to know how many Muslims were present when the Revolutionary Was was fought, or how many came here with the Pilgrims to settle here, to get away from the King? But yet, we must allow them to share OUR Rights, and buckle to their being offended... I am one of MANY Proud Veterans here who served to make sure this Country remained Free, and to be a safe place for us all.
Disclaimer: The toes I have stepped on were not done intentionally, but they were there, in my way, and it was not within my ability to avoid pouncing as hard as I could before they were moved. My rant is over for now...