The U.N. next door

America is filled with communities where it appears as though the U.N. lives next door. However, in the case of the recently charged six terrorists in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, were there any signs that perhaps something was amiss? The terrorists might stand out but it was not considered a major point to note their Muslim religious garb. It is common enough in many communities in the U.S., especially in urban areas, that characteristic Muslim garb is not out of the ordinary.

To wit, the six did have minor, but consistent run-ins with the law. The three arrested brothers regularly attended South Jersey Islamic Center in Palmyra, N.J., where, according to U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie, they recruited another alleged conspirator. In short, the accused were no strangers to the police. They were habitual offenders, stopped dozens of times a year for speeding, illegal passing, and driving without a license. One of the accused, Dritan Duka was issued four citations during one five-week period. The three had driving privileges suspended, meaning that they could not even apply for a license, 54 times in less than a decade. Moreover, in 2000, Dritan Duka pled guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and Shain Duka to possession of marijuana.

One characteristic to look for where the U.N. will break down is the flagrant, habitual, and lawless approach of potential troublemakers. The six, despite their protests that their Muslim background attracted attention, is not true. The accused brought about attention upon themselves by their anti-social behavior. America is a great country, too great to allow those who violate community standards unfettered freedom.