If you're Hindu . . .

[rmorgan]

If you\'re Hindu . . .

We've recently experienced the receiving end of racism. Our next-door neighbor is a Hindu temple. They have about 110 acres and a building which is maybe 6,000 SF on two levels. They are excellent neighbors; last year they allowed us an easement across their frontage to put in city water, and they permit me to maintain a strip of land which is in their parcel but on our side of the treeline, which improves the look of our place. They have open houses a couple of times a year, and an annual festival with food, crafts, etc.

Despite all this, there is a lot of animosity--if not downright hatred--toward the Hindus in our mostly-blue-collar, virtually-all-white community, and the temple, which sits about 1/4 mile off the street, has been the subject of a lot of vandalism. They recently put up a big, not-unattractive fence with ironwork and large iron gates. Over the last month, they also have put in decent landscaping around the area between the fence and the street, which totals about an acre--about a dozen 6-10' evergreens, several ornamental trees, and several dozen perennials. Late on the night of the Fourth, some folks showed their patriotism by driving over all the trees, presumably with a 4x4, and then actually ripping out the perennials and lining them up on the street. They also knocked over a streetcorner-sized mailbox anchored in concrete. Then they crashed through the gates, which were of course locked, and finally set of the silent alarms at the building--leaving before the police arrived. The temple has had so many insurance claims from vandalism that they can't file any more for fear of cancellation. The result is that they can't afford to redo the landscaping, and their sincere efforts to improve the appearance of their entrance have just reinforced the rift between them and the community and completely bewildered the Hindus.

We are of course sickened that this happened, very concerned that it happened so close to our own property, and deeply saddened that people can't see past issues of color, language, and different faith to see what an asset this congregation is to the area.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Rick,
Maybe if a few of the neighbors, that do not object to them being there, would offer to help staighten out some of the vandalism, i.e. replanting landscaping, the others may see that and start to accept them. Just a thought.........

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

It never fails to surprise me when I see such ignorance in action. I just assume that everyone understands that the only way we protect our freedom of and from religion is to guarantee other's freedoms of and from religion.

I'm sure within the next week you'll be able to report back that the community has stepped up to the plate and moved to aid and assist their fellow believers.

Just as sure as such acts of insanity will happen we can rest assured the very acts are the catalyst that will galvanize the rational amongst us to come together in mutual defense of our own self interests. We see it time and time again.

Of course the great irony is the crazies see their act as the spark to inspire enthusiasm for their cause and the reverse always happens.

 

[rmorgan]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Jerry--we've discussed a donation for that purpose. Unfortunately, the damage estimate is $6k. Also unfortunately, based on what I've seen, there is about one neighbor who fits the description you've said. That said, based on your suggestion, I'm going to make some phone calls--thanks!! Ironically, I had told the guy in charge of the temple that I would water everything for him on the 5th, as they have not yet put in a sprinker system and we are in near-drought conditions. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Rick, that is truly sad. As a stereotypical middle aged white guy I'm always embarrassed when I hear of something like this.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

I'd just consider it as another example of the lack of education in the community. Aparently folks don't know the difference between a Hindu and a Moslem Terrorist, after all, they both wear strange headgear, right.
I'd also consider it an opportunity for getting some tractor seat time. Since these folks have demonstrated their kindness and generoscity to you, you and your tractor just might be able to significantly reduce the cost of landscape repair. You also might consider asking a few other tractor owners in the area. Talk to the Hindus and see if yo can put together a time and some manpower and set straight the landscaping at least.
You also might want to offer to be put on the list of people called when the alarm system is tripped. Living next door you just might get some pictures or a license plate number the next time.

 

[rmorgan]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Franz--

This goes back way before 9-11. The temple's 10 years old and has been under occasional attack since it opened. That said, I'm sure the current troubles have emboldened those who might have been on the fence. As to the seat time, the real problem is not the planting but that the trees were run over to the extent that they were broken up. They have plenty of volunteer labor; just nothing to plant at this point.

 

[Bird]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Very well said, Harv.

 

[Youare]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

The sad thing about this story is this is not an isolated happening, these type of things are happening all over the country.

Once again the freedom of religious expression is threatened by a few sick people who think their way of life is some how correct.

I'm not a Hindu, but that makes no difference what happend at their place of gathering can not be justified. I hope the people who were behind this action are found out and bear the full extent of the law.

Randy

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Re: If you\'re Hindu . . .

Thank you Bird. BTW you remind me a lot of an old expolice chief I know. And just between you and me that's a good thing.