Stranger at the Gate

Richard McKinney spent over 25 hears in the US military and it's fair to say that when he returned home to Muncie in Indiana he was a pretty devout hater of all things Muslim. He despised their beliefs, their clothing and indeed admits that he completely lost the plot when he thought they were mixing with his young daughter. Determined to rid the town of this scourge, he set about planning a bomb attack on their mosque whilst they were all at prayer. It was on a recce, though, that he began to realise that these people were decent, respectful and kindly families who treated him with an humanity he had hitherto been lacking for many a year. Apparently it took him only a matter of weeks to realise that he had backed the wrong horse and that these were folks to be embraced as they had embraced him. It's not a great documentary. It does seem to suggest rather that the Muslim community has all the work to do to prove it's non-complicity in atrocities when they happen and that the armed forces are always acting honourably, but it did also make me wonder what steps the military authorities take to ensure the mental wellbeing of people who have basically given most of their lives to blindly obeying orders that require no compassion, evaluation or validation of the orders given. As one of his superiors pointed out to him - just imagine they are but pieces of paper on a target practice. It just goes to show that communication and interaction can go some way to breaking down barriers and assumptions and hats off to McKinney for his honesty.

This is a heartwarming demonstration of how in the midst of darkness, love and humanity can prevail. An uplifting piece amidst the global suffering of COVID and war.

Inner peace is not found in isolation, hatred of others or by renouncing the world, but can be attained as an active family member and member of one's community.

The importance of sharing with others what life has given, and living life fully with an awareness of the divine within each of us will make this world a better place.

This short films highlights all that is good with community and love of thy neighbour. An important reminder to us all. Highly recommend.

The story is really something I've ever seen. Everyone should watch this documentary. These type of stories are very few that elaborate how kindness and humanity change the lives. And the story shows the facts as facts. The documentary truly shows the dangerous effects of hate.

It also shows how peace can change a personality and mindset. And how love can heal a person and give them courage and strength.

I hope no one miss this as it's truly a heart touching story and it shows the real meanings of humanity and kindness.

And thanks for sharing this story with the world...!!

Thanks a lot...!!

Fantastic story everyone should see. It is an inspiring and uplifting movie that gives you a wonderful feeling inside. The lesson you take away from the film is that warmth and affection is contagious, by being nice to anyone even if they are strangers or family brings out the good in people. Not all movies have a happy ending but this one brings a smile to your face and hope for all humanity. It is a true story about an ex marine and his struggle to find a place in society as well as deal with shell shock form his many tour of duties. This film is a must see don't miss it and tell all your friends and family too.

Should you ever doubt that kindness and understanding can make a difference, please watch this film from director Joshua Seftel (WAR, INC, 2008). The 29 minute run time may just rejuvenate your faith in human beings to change their attitude and be accepting of those they once distrusted.

As a Marine, Richard "Mac" McKinney was trained to hate and kill Muslims. He was informed that they were terrorists out to destroy his country, and September 11, 2001 was all the proof he needed. A simple question from his young daughter Emily convinced him he needed to act, so he plotted to bomb the Islamic Culture Center of Muncie (Indiana). So this former Marine, a trained killer and hater, headed to the mosque to obtain the "proof" he needed to convince his daughter that his actions were righteous.

A funny thing happened. Mac was treated kindly by the folks there. They asked him questions and guided him to a better understanding. Now this didn't happen overnight. A shift in beliefs never occurs quickly. However, their treatment of Mac not only (unknowingly) saved their own lives, it saved his as well. He may have been trained to not think of his war targets as human beings, but he found them to show him more humanity than he'd ever known. It's chilling to see Emily ponder what it would have been like to have a mass murderer as a father, and mostly we are inspired to see good people work so diligently at accepting someone who initially showed them nothing but hatred. Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is one of the producers of the film.