Not to disagree, but perhaps an additional factor is the whole seekrit Muslim President thing because of his name. The bigots wanted to believe the worst and they got Fox. And the Tea Party. And a dishearteningly large swath of rural America. What a strange set of views they offer-
Somehow it’s very American to be all about the 1st and 2nd Amendments. But very unpatriotic (in their often imbecilic eyes) to act on freedom of religion that is very much not yours by way of respecting that Mosque and it’s visitors. Big brave militiamen afraid of yoga at school.

It’s all so American to welcome immigrants who use the system instead of sneaking in or overstaying visas. But very unpatriotic to embrace those resulting communities that happen be be Muslim? Can’t bear to celebrate some one else’s holiday? Eid al-Fitr is such a scary phrase!