# Armed protesters stalk peaceful Muslims at Texas mosque: We want to show force **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 22, 2015, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303 "2015-11-22T20:37:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/81 "2015-11-24T03:34:30Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > . . . I don’t see any on the left condemning left wing intimidation with regards to free speech and I’m merely pointing out the hypocrisy. . . . Point out to us an instance of liberals with guns parading in front of conservatives who would like to speak but are now cowed. G’wan. Betcha can’t. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/82 "2015-11-24T03:44:27Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Point out to us an instance of liberals with guns parading in front of conservatives who would like to speak but are now cowed. G’wan. Betcha can’t. . . . Well . . . No, I can’t, but . . . Let’s not just dismiss this idea . . . ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/83 "2015-11-24T03:46:42Z")
If the OWSers had been armed . . . Well, then it would have ended like Tienanmen Square at the very least, so never mind that. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/84 "2015-11-24T03:58:12Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > I asked you where the right is to intimidate someone at their place of worship. Are you under the impression that our system of laws is designed so “that which is not allowed is forbidden”? As I noted earlier, there is the right to assembly, and the right to bear arms. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to demonstrate where “being intimidated” trumps those rights. Alternatively, I can ask you where your right is to take a shit whenever you want? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/85 "2015-11-24T04:04:23Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > Yes? And? Is it your assertion that the very existence of such laws are the slippery slope already? Because I don’t see it that way. Sensible people do. “Hate” speech laws are exactly a certain political class determining what is acceptable speech. But in a country where yoga is deemed offensive cultural appropriation I’m not surprised by any lunacy. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/86 "2015-11-24T04:06:06Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Would you agree the police should shut it down at **that** point, then? It would be best if they did. I don’t know if they have the legal ability to. At some point the exercising of a right needs to be tempered with a tiny bit of common sense. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/87 "2015-11-24T04:07:39Z")
> [@lucid-nonsense](#): > > Texas Penal Code, Title 9, Chapter 42. A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: (8) displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. > > There you go. If only it were that simple. How does that statute define “display” and “calculated to alarm?” Can you cite an instance, similar to this one, where people were prosecuted under this statute? But, kudos for actually doing some research and finding something arguable. Now, all you need to do is argue the point. I would be very surprised if, in Texas, simply carrying a firearm, as opposed to brandishing it, would be considered “displaying”. Further, you have to establish “intent to alarm”, which is pretty vague. Bt still, thanks for bringing substance! ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/88 "2015-11-24T04:09:50Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Alternatively, I can ask you where your right is to take a shit whenever you want? Actually, I think **where** ver is the problem here . . . ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/89 "2015-11-24T05:05:38Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > No, **octopus** is objecting to calling them racists when race has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. > > What’s the term for somebody who discriminates on the basis of religion? Conservative? Republican? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/90 "2015-11-24T05:11:51Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Conservative? Republican? You are not very bright if you think that most religions are not composed of a very large number of conservatives. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/91 "2015-11-24T05:18:08Z")
But not their founders, as a general rule. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/92 "2015-11-24T05:30:12Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > You are not very bright if you think that most religions are not composed of a very large number of conservatives. Methinks my joke didn’t come through well in this format. ---
**Author:** ![lucid-nonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/2acd7d/32.png) [@lucid-nonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucid-nonsense)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/93 "2015-11-24T07:12:37Z")
> [@](#): > > [@John\_Mace](#): > > If only it were that simple. How does that statute define “display” and “calculated to alarm?” Can you cite an instance, similar to this one, where people were prosecuted under this statute? > > But, kudos for actually doing some research and finding something arguable. Now, all you need to do is argue the point. I would be very surprised if, in Texas, simply carrying a firearm, as opposed to brandishing it, would be considered “displaying”. Further, you have to establish “intent to alarm”, which is pretty vague. > > Bt still, thanks for bringing substance! [http://www.12newsnow.com/story/24352754/man-carrying-gun-on-his-back-in-mall-is-charged-with-a-crime](http://www.12newsnow.com/story/24352754/man-carrying-gun-on-his-back-in-mall-is-charged-with-a-crime) Here is a link to a story about a man being arrested and charged for carrying a rifle strapped to his back while walking through a mall. Note that he wasn’t masked, wasn’t holding the rifle with his finger near the trigger, and didn’t declare he was making a show of force. But answer me honestly, do you think pacing back and forth in front of someone’s property dressed up as a death squad member with a rifle at the ready isn’t “intending to cause alarm”? And I’m not asking about what a court would rule, I’m asking about you think personally. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/94 "2015-11-24T08:35:31Z")
> [@lucid-nonsense](#): > > [http://www.12newsnow.com/story/24352754/man-carrying-gun-on-his-back-in-mall-is-charged-with-a-crime](http://www.12newsnow.com/story/24352754/man-carrying-gun-on-his-back-in-mall-is-charged-with-a-crime) > > Here is a link to a story about a man being arrested and charged for carrying a rifle strapped to his back while walking through a mall. > > Note that he wasn’t masked, wasn’t holding the rifle with his finger near the trigger, and didn’t declare he was making a show of force. > > But answer me honestly, do you think pacing back and forth in front of someone’s property dressed up as a death squad member with a rifle at the ready isn’t “intending to cause alarm”? And I’m not asking about what a court would rule, I’m asking about you think personally. It very well is disturbing. And that is why it’s important to teach from an early age concepts like mutual respect and civility. Certain rights don’t mix with an unhinged populace. Check out Chiraq and Baltimore for how not to use weaponry in a civil manner. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/95 "2015-11-24T10:20:41Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > These armed Texan “protesters” are the best friends ISIS ever had. Let’s not exaggerate … although the very best friends Daesh ever had were also Texans. (Their names rhyme with Chush and Beaney.) ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/96 "2015-11-24T11:25:38Z")
All y’all are totally fucked up when it comes to your gun cult. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/97 "2015-11-24T12:08:02Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > It’s not just the legal aspect, Bric…oh, hi John. > [@lucid-nonsense](#): > > Texas Penal Code, Title 9, Chapter 42. A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: (8) displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. > > There you go. > [@John\_Mace](#): > > If only it were that simple. How does that statute define “display” and “calculated to alarm?” Can you cite an instance, similar to this one, where people were prosecuted under this statute? Called it in one! ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/98 "2015-11-24T13:08:28Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > All y’all are totally fucked up when it comes to your gun cult. Agreed. Seriously, how is it not intimidation when someone shows up with a visible weapon and shouts at the peaceful people to “go back where they come from”, that the peaceful people “are not welcome here”, etc.? ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/99 "2015-11-24T13:36:13Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > I’d idly wager few of the people going to that mosque are WASPs. And I do think that’s a factor in the Othering of Islam. Well, no. There aren’t many Muslim Protestants around, to be honest… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2015, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303/100 "2015-11-24T14:31:47Z")
> [@irae](#): > > You must be a big fan of broken socialism if you dont support hard twerking americans exorcising there rite to freeze peach you might as well lay down and roll over for barack whose sane oblahblah who wants to impose his secret muslin sangria law on america Right arm! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-protesters-stalk-peaceful-muslims-at-texas-mosque-we-want-to-show-force/738303.md?page=6)