Yes, Virginia there are moderate Muslims. One, in particular, was interview by Andrea Shea-King and Mark Vance on CPR Radio yesterday. His name is Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser. He is not only a Pheonix, Arizona physician, but a Navy veteran and the chairman of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. This is what Dr. Jasser says to other moderate Muslims.
“As Muslims we must help bring these barbaric Islamists to justice and assist in dismantling the systems that create them. We can publicly embarrass radical imams and organizations. … We can publicly expose the twisted interpretations of the Quran. It is time to teach Muslims to dismantle terrorist organizations like al-Qaida, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Hezbollah … The war against Islamo-facism has many fronts, and moderate Muslims need to be leading the struggle.”
I would recommend the articles here (Dr. Jasser’s OpEd regarding the six imams) and here (his views on how moderate Muslims can be a weapon against Jihad). I would also recommend that you visit the American Islamic Forum for Democracy and see just what they are all about. If we work together and help each other, we can show the media that the radicals are not the only ones with something to say!
You know, it is very easy for us to lump all Muslims into that violent group of Jihadists. This post was very enlightening, and reminds us that as angry as we may get at the terrorists that carry out their actions in the name of Islam, they are not much different than the fools that carried out the Crusades, Inquisitions, and witch hunts in the name of Christianity. They may claim to be representitives of the faith, but the true followers know that they are not.
Dear An-n-n-na
Thank you for this. You are the bombarooney. Big time:-}
We were very impressed with the good Doctor. He sounded very passionate about rescueing Islam and my BS meter never went off once.
I am also glad that you posted this information. As Alexis de Tocqueville pointed out, when speaking about Catholics, that America was well suited for Catholics to prosper and practice their faith, I too believe the same can be said for Muslims. The only thing holding them back is their selves.
America has been the beacon of authentic pluralism and can remain such, but we need the Muslim community to step up and let the world know the truth. Yet, hopefully, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, doesn’t become a lone voice crying out.
Oh by the way, I like your new web format.
Always good to hear about Muslims who are not certifiable.
Wonder how the MSM would have covered the ‘Six Flying Imans’ story if a moderate Muslim or two assisted in subduing those clowns? Rhetorical question, they would have tried to bury it I think.
That’s very true, Douglas! He stated that he would just like his children and their children to be able to go to mosque and worship freely, as any parent would!
Thank you, Marcus Aurelius!
I agree, he was very genuine and sincere.
Brian, we were discussing this in the chatroom of the show as well (I highly recommend you stop by sometime!) and we thought that maybe more moderates would speak up if they knew they had so much support from “middle America” versus what they hear on the MSM. Maybe if we spread the word that they exist and that they have names, they won’t fear coming forward because we will know them!
Oh and thank you for the compliment!
You’re probably right, Anna. The MSM would have buried it because it would be a non-story for them. They want the blood and guts, they don’t care about people helping each other and working things out without bloodshed! What’s the saying…”if it bleeds, it leads?”
Fact remains that Islam nor any other religion is compatible with freedom as I know freedom. And, as you write..there may be some moderate Muslims..but the percentage is just too low. When I see them demonstrating in the street against the murderers then I will figure that there are more moderates than terrorists. But thus far I have seen more video clips of ragheads blowing holes in the sky with their AK 47s rejoicing over any bad thing that happens to the USA…
I hear you, GUYK and I understand your feelings. Unfortunately, even if there were demonstrations by moderate Muslims against the Jihadists, we wouldn’t see it on the news.
I think a different label than “moderate Muslim” needs to be made to distinguish the pro-Bush/anti-Islamic terror Muslims from leftist/multiculturalist CAIR Muslims; I say this, because so many of the so-called “moderates” may not be violent jihadists; but they are often apologists and enablers for their violent brethren; or buy into many of the anti-Israel tirades that seem to infest mainstream Muslim thought.
A very good point, Word. That type of moderate Muslim works hand-in-hand with the lefties who would negotiate with the terrorists.
Hollywood and the media shows fake violence. Violence that has been strung through the Leftist filter, a filter that distorts the view of human dignity and freedom. It is not real violence. Real violence would produce anger and rage in virtuous folk, to end the violent doers. Fake violence produces weakness and fatigue.
The news from Normandy was real violence. Reporting of IED attacks are reports of fake violence. Not in the sense that the violence isn’t real, but in the sense that of how the violence affects people.
That type of Muslim, CAIR, isn’t moderate in the first place. That is like saying the New Black Panthers are moderate.
There are many things that bleed, but doesn’t lead in the news. There are many examples artistic freedom that isn’t free in Hollywood.
You see, they choose what they portray and how to portray it. It isn’t real. You’ve seen how Hollywood has tried to fake the truth, in Moore’s stuff, oscar (winning?).
The media simply has more to work with. And with the help from Hollywood actor contributions, the media like Air America has many many chances at sending their propaganda message to the American people.
It appears like the media leads with what bleeds. But you will notice that they won’t lead with pictures and videos that show terrorists killing children and executing women. They will lead though (CNN) if you have a video of an American Marine being sniped by the enemy though. That will lead.
You see, it is modified. It has been propagandized, even before it hits the screen or the print. That is why I say it is fake violence, it isn’t real. They have taken the stuff of reality and made it into some grotesque caricature of reality.
Similar to green helmet guy in Lebanon with the same “victims” being pulled from the rubble of multiple buildings or the group of Lebanese guys taking turns playing victim. Staged for more dramatic effect. It breaks my heart that people have died, but to have their deaths sensationalized by these terrorists because they know the MSM will fall for it is absolutely disgusting.
Dr. Jasser is not a part of CAIR and cannot stand them. His forum are for those who would live freely here and not be associated with those terrorists and their propaganda.
It is good to see others that are apart from CAIR. I know they existed, but without government sponsoring and terroist funding, it is hard to get off the ground in one piece.
Money fuels many activities in this world of ours. Good beliefs and works, as well as bad beliefs and works. The inner conviction of the believers and the truth of their convictions, must make up for any lack in resources.
Well, Dr. Jasser is starting in the right place. Here on the blogosphere is where the real news is coming from and he’s gaining readers and donations because people are more than ready to hear what he has to say. I feel you are better off without the government funding.