08/18/2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Today is a big day for Dearborn, MI.
As I am sure that most who follow this page are aware, Mr. Jake Lang has called for & organized what he has titled a 'Crusade' (against "Islamification") to be present in Dearborn today; specifically at the Dearborn City Council meeting.
Truthfully, I had hoped that this potential event would have just fizzled out. Sadly, however, this event has drawn national attention.
As this is taking place in Michigan's 12th Congressional District, the district and the residents who I aspire to represent in Congress, I feel the need to share some of what is on my heart regarding this matter.
Of critical importance is that our Constitution protects these differing perspectives in this matter. The 1st Amendment reads as follows:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
* Freedom of Religion & the Free Exercise thereof
* Freedom of Speech
* Freedom of the Press
* Freedom to Peaceably Assemble
* Freedom to Petition Government over grievances
Which means:
That, while you might not like it, citizens are free to exercise their religion of choice (or no religion).
That citizens may freely speak, even things you find dumb, wrong, distasteful, racist, or even 'hateful'.
That those who report the "News" may do so, and from the perspective that they choose.
That you can gather freely in public to share your perspectives.
That you can challenge your government, Local, State, and Federal over things that you believe are unjust.
And in all of these things doing so PEACEABLY.
Now I see the opportunity for Dearborn to shine brightly. I pray that this opportunity is realized and I pray that the residents in Dearborn greet those who come with misunderstanding or even hate with hospitality and love. I pray that many of those who come have a similar experience as the Bearded Traveling Veteran. This is my experience too. For I have never been treated poorly any time I have gone to Dearborn, or any time I've interacted with those of the Muslim faith.
In 2024 I did heavy door to door canvassing in Dearborn for my campaign. I met wonderful people, and had many, many great conversations with citizens of all faiths-Including Islam.
At each home where I delivered literature, I also delivered an American flag with the following message attached:
“Please accept this flag as a symbol of American pride and patriotism. Honor our nation by displaying it proudly. Join me in valuing our nation’s ideals of Equality, Liberty, & Justice.”
My friends, it is hard for me to express the joy I felt when I returned to those same neighborhoods those days following and seen those very same flags stuck in the doors of homes, or displayed on mailboxes, or on porches. And best of all, in the hands of children.
This is the America I LOVE.
Two final points:
First, I view Mr. Jake Lang as nothing more than an Agent Provocateur.
I disavow him for who he is, a bringer of strife and discord.
He does not speak for me, nor do I believe that he speaks for Christians or Christ.
He does not represent me or my Christian faith.
He does not represent my Conservative values.
He does not represent my views as a Republican.
And despite that I find the man grossly offensive, I defend his right to express himself-PEACEABLY. And likewise, in return, he has the right to his personal safety in all of his offensive grossness, from being assaulted.
Second, my opponent, Representative Rashida Tlaib, the "Gentle Lady from Detroit" as I like to reference her.
She is known for being a radical activist. Even her Democratic opponents have called her out as being a radical activist and not a legislator. One whose toxic rhetoric stirs up radical behavior in others.
I expect her to utilize this matter to once again do "Activist s**t" for her own benefit and her own grandstanding. I urge Representative Tlaib to tone down her rhetoric and not further foment strife in this district and in America.
May God Bless the United States as we strive in forging a more Perfect Union. And may God bless you all.
Respectfully submitted,
James Hooper