Initial indications were that two gunmen killed during an assault on an art exhibit in Garland, Texas, were motivated by extremist Islamic hatred. Their goal may have been nothing less than intimidating Americans into abandoning our tradition of freedom of speech.

Garland police were ready for the assailants, who shot a security guard before being mowed down themselves. Authorities had reason to expect the art exhibit – of cartoon depictions of the prophet Muhammad – might attract terrorists.

Some Americans – including our president – seem to believe an appropriate response to such intimidation is to give in and refrain from actions that might anger the tiny percentage of Muslims who see violence as an integral part of their religion. The excuse is that we should be sensitive to other cultures.

That is not uncommon among Americans. For example, at one time some people argued the Ku Klux Klan was formed only to defend fundamental values. Now, nearly all Americans understand that was and is no more than a charade.

Giving in to those who would tear down our American traditions and guarantees of liberty is more than a mistake. It is a pathway toward losing those freedoms.

Everyone – including Muslims and those of other non-Christian faiths – benefits from our nation’s dedication to liberty and real tolerance. The sooner we unite in defense of those values instead of in appeasing those who would destroy them, the better.