Nat the prison guard

Nat is another character in Rebounding. Not one of my favorites, but he represents a very real sentiment.

Nat is a guard in a federal prison. The prison where Joshua is held on terrorist charges. He has a daughter who is fighting overseas. Like any father, he is worried about her. And, because the enemies she's fighting are Muslims, he's is suspicious of all Muslims. This is not uncommon either. It's not that Nat is a bad guy. He's just a very concerned father.

But Nat's love for his daughter blinds him to any good he may find in Muslims he encounters. Instead he is hostile and threatening. After all, that Muslim inmate may have connections with a soldier in the Middle East who has a bomb waiting for Nat's daughter.

The United States is full of Nats. Not bad. Just so wrapped up in their own worlds that they can't see the larger picture. They are unable to accept the fact that the majority of Muslims are normal people, trying to earn money and raise their families.

Nat is suspicious and very angry. It's too bad he didn't take the time to get to know Joshua. Joshua is also a concerned and loving father. Nat would be surprised by how much they have in common.