It is interesting to note that 14th century Ottoman Turks had a greater appreciation and respect of great art with religious overtones than what is being modeled by some of our modern Encinitas leaders. As many people from various parts of the world say, it is not the average people who are the problems in the world–it is people who are in leadership roles who usually create the problems!

Encinitas is a welcome home to people from every part of the world.

Encinitas is a very adventurous and artistic community that is receptive to new ideas. Many in our town even wear tattoos that are Chinese characters that they find appealing—but which they may not even understand the meaning of. There is a story going around that someone selected some symbols for a tattoo, and actually paid to have something that translated to, ‘diarrhea happiness mother,’ or some such silly thing placed on his arm.

Interpreting Islam calligraphy is also very specialized, so I think that the actual level of artistic ability and the intention behind how it would be done is what would matter the most to me—just as it was important to the creator of the Madonna.

I really think that Encinitas residents in general are more open-minded than the City Council may think. I think that those who are offended might consider greater tolerance of differences, and focus instead on the problems that concern us all such as preserving community character, open government, and competent legal and financial advisors for our city.