THE idea of somebody carrying a gun to "protect himself against Muslims", as recently happened in Gloucester, is not only dangerous but daft.
For a start, any need for protection would be against Muslim extremists, not the family running your local newsagent's or living across the road – or attending a sports centre.
Of course we must all be alert to possible danger, even in a small city like Gloucester, because a couple of people from here have been convicted of terrorist acts. But too many people don't seem to understand that Islam is a religion, not a collective word for violent extremists.
Every religion carries its share of fanatics who want to convert others to their idea of God and they all have different, though thankfully, usually peaceful ways of going about it. In fact there is nothing in Islam that condones acts of terrorism.
I don't claim to be an expert on Christianity, let alone anyone else's religion, but from what I've read about it, the Qur'an states: "The Prophet succeeded in establishing unity among people by acting with compassion and mercy. If he had treated the people around him severely and rudely, they would have left him and their unity would have collapsed".
Sadly, the Muslim community has its share of fanatics and criminals, just like any other section of society and the only way this element can be eradicated is by non-Muslims realising that terrorists are a minority, and Muslims accepting that radicalisation appears to be on the increase, something they must take control of themselves. Whatever our religion, we have to start singing from the same sheet.
YES, I know we haven't had the Gloucester Carnival yet and many people are just about to go on holiday, but it won't be long before the Christmas adverts start appearing on telly, so it's not too early for another mention of Gloucester Day.
This event has grown since it was reinstated four years ago after a campaign by our Town Crier Alan Myatt to revive it, and it's based on a real aspect of the city's history. Gloucester Day was originally held to celebrate the lifting of the siege of Gloucester between August 3 and September 5, 1643.
The event died out in the 19th century but lately has shown to be very popular and attracts clubs, organisations and veterans from all over the county and beyond to take part, as well as drawing large numbers of spectators. Gloucester Day will be held on September 7, 2013 and includes a parade through the Gate streets led by the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester in full civic regalia.
It also includes a parade to introduce the new Mock Mayor of Barton, who will be chosen in a few weeks' time. This spectacle also has its roots in history, as the office was created after Barton was moved outside the city limits following the restoration of Charles II.
Stalls are available at this year's event for Gloucester charities who want to raise funds or promote their work, so contact Alan on alanmyatt@blueyonder.co.uk or 07973 472896 if you are interested in getting involved.
As I've said before, Gloucester has a tremendous amount of history and was once a very important place. The same can't be said about our status in the 21st century, but we still have our history, so let's celebrate it in style.
