CAIR unresponsive to Theo van Gogh query

Submitted by R. Lutz (United States), Dec 14, 2004 at 15:23

I was greatly disappointed when CAIR did not provide any Islamic media coverage of the death of Theo van Gogh and did not respond to my following email query:


I went to your website hoping to read how a Muslim organization committed to "accommodating diversity" would cover the horrendous public execution of Theo van Gogh. I did a thorough search of your database and found not a single word about this brutal slaying. Surely CAIR, which purports to be "a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding," is aware of this terrible act. I cannot understand why rather than cover the story from the educated Muslim perspective you choose to remain silent in the face of an obviously heinous act that portrays Muslims in such a manner so as to sow more seeds of distrust and misunderstanding. As Director of the Native American Scholars program I am always looking for organizations and websites that provide insights to social justice and promote understanding of cultural diversity but I cannot fathom why you would (1) choose to ignore such an inflammatory event and (2) not provide some voice of rationality for Muslims regarding the assassination of Theo van Gogh. Evil only succeeds when men of goodwill do nothing. I cannot in all fairness recommend your website to students as a fair and balanced source of the American Muslim community. Part of the American experience is a willingness to publicly examine the events that shape the world around us, even the events which are painful and cause us shame; these sometimes are the best litmus test of our character.



R. Lutz, Director

Native American Scholars Program

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