A Sadly Wary Misunderstanding of Muslim-Americans." But Really Is It (No 1st Amendment for Muslims)

The New Republic ^ | September 4, 2010 | Martin Peretz

[tlb]

Actually, no one has shown that a single serious demonstration against Muslims and Arabs, against their beliefs and behavior can be raised in this country. And, if you think Glenn Beck's rally at the Lincoln Memorial was its equivalent please quote to me sounds of hatred directed from the platform.

There has not been a single rally or demonstration in America aimed at Muslim or Arab interests or more likely, to foreign insurgencies and, yes, quite alien philosophies. I suggest that this is largely the case because Americans are so fearful of being accused of bias.

Muslims and Arabs do not not act in America as they do in the increasingly Islamicized but non-practicing Christian Europe. Still, I wouldn't close my eyes or our eyes to the increasing number of both naturalized and native-born citizens who enlist in the Islamic terror networks of our time, here and abroad.

Liberal political theory has virtually ignored the philosophical, legal and ethical questions posed by the threatening demographics of Europe. Is not western society, imperfect as it may be but immensely more liberal than the domains of Islam, obliged to defend its future. Immigration is key to this discussion, and it's the one issue that no one wants to discuss.

Why do not Muslims raise their voices against these at once planned and random killings all over the Islamic world?

Muslim life is cheap, most notably to Muslims. And among those Muslims led by the Imam Rauf there is hardly one who has raised a fuss about the routine and random bloodshed that defines their brotherhood. So, yes, I wonder whether I need honor these people and pretend that they are worthy of the privileges of the First Amendment which I have in my gut the sense that they will abuse.

[wbarmy]

That is the correct pronunciation.

[Little Ray]

My question: Can you be a good person AND a good Muslim?

The two seem mutually exclusive.

Given the nature of Islam, I think Muslims are about as entitled to the “free practice” of Islam as the Aztecs and the Carthaginians would be practice their horrific religions.

[screaminsunshine]

I think you are right. A religion with human sacrifice is not covered by the first amendment. Jihad is human sacrifice. Thus nit covered. Burn baby Burn.