Muslims' value as patriotic citizens

Submitted by Steve K. (United States), Oct 30, 2002 at 01:19

Unfortunately, there is an international or supranational war going on between militant Islamism and the western world. As terrorist attacks in Bali, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Algeria, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Moscow and elsewhere demonstrate, this war is not only about Israel. Israel is one border skirmish.

Mr. Ahmed presents us with a problem.

Is it enough for Muslims to be only average citizens? Must they extra patriotic? ... I thought it was great that the first leads about the Buffalo 6 appear to have come from within the Yemini community. It was great to hear that Muslims were calling up to volunteer with the FBI after 9/11.

A distinction needs to be drawn between peaceful moderate Islam and aggressive power-seeking Islamism; Muslims can do that best. Yet, there is a threat to those who take that stand and some moderate Muslim leaders have been killed in Muslim power struggles in America.

Wouldn't it great for a new commercial to be broadcast throughout the Muslim world, week after week, presenting one American Muslim Iman after another, telling the story of freedom of religion in America, of mutual respect, and that Islam is compatible with American ideals. If this is outlandish or impossible, then why is it impossible or outlandish?

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