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FORT WORTH
Giving thanks at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has become more diverse this year as officials have cast a wider net to include more faith-based groups that offer prayers before the bareback bronc riding begins.
For some faithful rodeo fans, though, the inclusion of a Muslim Imam in the mix has become a burr under the traditional saddle.
The Stock Show’s Facebook page lit up this week after Moujahed Bakhach of the Islamic Association of Tarrant County offered the public prayer at Sunday night’s rodeo performance.
While many of the comments on the Stock Show’s Facebook page were supportive of the more inclusive prayer policy, most were not. Opposition did not seem personally directed at Bakhach or his words, but expressed outrage at the inclusion of a member of the Islamic clergy during a time of violence and extremism involving radical Muslim terrorists.
What’s wrong with a Texas imam doing a rodeo prayer, anyway?
Bud Kennedy column (9-15-10): Muslims are part of Texas ranching legacy
A sampling of the sentiments expressed:
“I just will choose NOT to go somewhere that embraces a religion that wants me, my family and my people DEAD.”
“Muslim/Islam has no place in this country let alone fwssr. Not one Muslim has come out against the radical actions that is the Muslim belief. PERIOD. COWBOYS DON’T WANT IT.”
“This really disappoints me in the FWSSR! Sad to see such a Texas & American institution fall in the gutter of political correctness.”
“The ignorance here. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Cheers to FWSSR! Yet another reason why I am proud to call Fort Worth my home.”
“Kudos to FWSSR for leading the way and understanding that America is a country of immigrants. Thanks for showing love and not hatred by showing tolerance for all religions; as Freedom of Religion applies to every American, even if they don't look like you or believe what you believe.”
“Islam is against all other religions and I for one won’t attend an event that allows a darkness to be spoke over me!”
The Fort Worth Stock Show has long featured a Christian flavor, from evangelical-like comments of longtime rodeo announcer Bob Tallman to the growing popularity of Cowboy Church, which is held Sunday mornings at the Will Rogers Auditorium.
Tallman said Bakhach “did a wonderful job” when giving Sunday’s prayer.
Bakhach, who speaks regularly at a variety of events across Tarrant County, said there was “a beautiful spirit” in Will Rogers Coliseum Sunday night, and said the blessing went on without a hitch.
“I didn’t hear any negative reaction to what I said. I sat down to watch the show,” Bakhach said.
But later, his friend, who had been seated in the crowd while Bakhach spoke, said someone behind him exclaimed, ‘Oh my God’ when Bakhach’s name and affiliation were announced.
Brad Barnes, president and general manager of the Stock Show, who is at each performance of the rodeo, said he saw no indication of anger in the crowd on Sunday, and he characterized Bakhach’s blessing as “spot-on” and “very appropriate.”
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