Dearborn Heights pays tribute to fallen soldiers at St. Hedwig's on Memorial Day

I attended the St. Hedwig's Memorial Day mass on Monday, May 30, 2011 and enjoyed the pastors sermon. What a disappointment when I listened to Dearborn Heights, MI Mayor Don Paletka who followed up with a speech that was simply pathetic to know that an educated man could be voted into office of a city that has a high number of Middle Eastern residents and have the mindset to indicate that he hopes that "Muslims can convert to Christianity". This statement was made after he described that the Virgin Mary is discussed in some passages of the Koran. He further indicated that Muslims should see this as an acknowledgement of Christianity and that Muslims should convert. I was appalled. Mr. Mayor, I am a Catholic and unlike you, I respect the right of any person to believe and practice their own religion, how could you make such an uneducated, disrespectful statement?
Shame on you as a representative of Muslims in your city.

His opinion is different than yours. Get over it. Not everyone has the opinon that you do. Would you like to curb freedom of speech? Every time someone speaks, you can find many who disagree with their opinon.

If you believe in the "right of any person to believe and practice their own religion" why do you complain about Mr. Plaetka's religious opinion?

Are you offended when Muslims try to convert Christians, as they do each and every day? It's a religous practice for most religions but you only see it as an offense if someone would try to convert a Muslim.

Please explain why it is wrong for Christians but not for Muslims.

I think you have been drinking directly from the Kool-Aid fountain.

I, as a Catholic am ashamed of your narrow mindness and the fact that you would limit only opinions that suit you. My goodness, you must be super educated to judge and disrespect the Mayor.

It was nice to hear the mayor to share his faith with others. I support him 100 %. It is about time a Christian (Catholic) defender his faith and expressed a desire for the conversion of Muslims.
He didn't talk about thru war or violence, but through prayer.
Way to go mayor !!

Way to go WRONG Mayor! Why is it that defending your faith includes conversion of others from their faith?
Thankfully, this Memorial weekend, I choose not to attend the service.
Very ignorant and sad response Brother Pio.

Go out into the Highways and Bi-ways and compell them to come in. Ect.Ect.Ect.......? I guess some are ashamed of the name Jesus and are affraid to share it with other. But if I'm not mistaken Preachers are supposed to share the Word and the Name...Jesus...To everyone! No?