This is the way it ought to be:
After the early Sunday morning arson at Masjid Salaam al-Farisi, a national media frenzy and FBI investigation had descended upon the usually quiet college town. But by Monday morning, things were calming down.
The mosque was still a frenzy of activity though -- there was a strong media presence, but the parking lot in front of the charred prayer center on Northwest Kings Boulevard was mostly filling with community members and Corvallis religious leaders who had united to offer prayers and support against the "abhorrent" act of arson.
"This shouldn't happen here -- it shouldn't happen anywhere -- but Corvallis is a wonderful, open community," said Laurie Holst as she stopped by the mosque to drop off a potted plant and card. The gifts were part of a growing donation from the community -- a growing cluster of poinsettias, bouquets and cards were gathered in front of the men's entrance to the mosque.
Related Post: Corvallis Mosque Attack Dishonors God
