From The Tennessean
The Coffee County commissioner who posted an anti-Muslim meme on his Facebook page said he doesn’t understand why he’s being “singled out” for doing that.
A number of local and national Islamic advocacy groups are calling for an apology from Commissioner Barry West after he posted a picture of a man aiming a gun. The words over it say, “How to wink at a Muslim.”
Responding to an emailed request for comment, Barry West wrote: “No I did not Twitter this …. no I did not create this picture …. yes I shared it …. so why am I being singled out?”
Asked whether he will apologize, West hasn’t responded, but he did take the post down from his Facebook page.
The American Muslin Advisory Council Tweeted a screen grab of West’s post. “Demand Coffee County Commissioner Barry West apologize for his hateful post on Saturday. Call him now.” It also contained a phone number.
The statewide council is devoted to promoting understanding between Tennesseans and Muslims. The state has been the site of mosque vandalism and strong resistance against the opening of new mosques in Brentwood and Murfreesboro.
Drost Kokoye, a council board member, said West’s Facebook post is frightening because elected officials set the example for behavior in people they represent.
“Regardless of whether you have Muslim constituents or not, you shouldn’t post this,” she said. “A shotgun with a wink behind it? I feel threatened. This is not OK.”
