Posted on Mon, Jun. 04, 2012

Re Fred Grimm’s May 24 column, Is it a plot, or just a huge, ugly house? and Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto’s subsequent public apology to the Muslim community: It takes a courageous man to acknowledge his mistakes and move on.

It’s refreshing to note that we have elected officials like Comm. Souto who conceded that to err is human and sometimes emotions get the best of us. Commissioner Souto isn’t prejudiced or racist, nor is he an Islamophobe. His willingness to meet with members of Muslim leadership and put to rest all their fears shows his humility. That’s what makes him a great leader.

Shaikh Zakari Badat, resident imam, Islamic School of Miami

Nidal Hozien, member, Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations