Houstonians respond to Ted Cruz comments about policing Muslims

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For Dr. Bilal Rana, his Muslim faith is essential to who he is.

"And I'm an anesthesiologist, I am a doctor," Rana said. "I've lived in Texas my whole life essentially."

Rana is also the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, helping to build character and keep children from becoming radicalized.

"When the media asks where are the moderate and peaceful Muslims, we're shouting at the top of our lungs," Rana said.

Rana said Ted Cruz's idea to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods is the kind of talk that drives young American Muslims further away.

"That sort of intimidating message, that condescending message to them, you're hurting their feelings," Rana said, "But more than that, you're hurting yourself. They are your most valued asset in this fight against radicalization."

Ted Cruz defended his statement on ABC's Good Morning America.

"We are facing a war from radical Islamic terrorism, President Obama, Hilary Clinton, they refuse to even acknowledge, to say the words, radical Islamic terrorism," Cruz said Tuesday.

Rana is hopeful this kind of plan would never come to fruition. In the meantime, he's urging fellow Muslims to speak out and help clear up confusion surrounding the Muslim faith.

"There's an uncomfortable curtain between you and the next guy," Rana added. "So we just have to reach over that curtain and talk to each other."