Many angered over controversial sign

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - There's a controversy brewing in Palmer and this time it doesn't concern casinos.

The sign has disturbing implications. Muslims are the main target.

Russell Baker has posted a sign in front of his shop on Route 20 in Palmer reading: "Muslims will destroy us from within."

Baker says, “This is from the people that don't particularly care for what I stand for, but the majority of people do like what I have.”

One religious leader says Baker should consider the damage his signs can cause, however.

President of the Council of Churches of Great Springfield Timothy Paul says religion has its place. “It’s offensive because it offends someone else's religion. This country was founded on the freedom of religion,” said Paul.

One leader says being Muslim shouldn't be the reason to be targeted.

“This is not against Muslims only, this is against the country. These bigots are destroying the country within. They're creating division. They're creating hatred,” said Dr. Kimat Khatak of the the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts.

Some in town think Russell's signs are in poor taste and unnecessary.

"He's very outspoken about his political views, and they're a little over the top for most of us," Baker's neighbor Bea Brassord said.

Neighbors say Baker changes the sign about once a week. But their patience is wearing thin.

Robert Cormier says it shouldn't be in Palmer or any town. “We all fought in the war. We all fought for our constitutional rights,” Cormier said.

" I think it’s a shame that we're losing that quality of religious tolerance in this country," Nancy Bryant said.

Baker says that he has the right to express his opinion and try to change people's minds.

The Islamic Center will hold a forum dealing with discrimination in West Springfield on Wednesday night at 5:30.