The 2 Worlds of Muslim-American Teenagers

The New York Times ^ | October 7, 2001 | SUSAN SACHS

[Aedammair]

"But some of them say that if their country called them to war against a Muslim army, they might refuse to fight. They cannot be shaken from the conviction that America is intrinsically anti-Muslim. Yet they see it as the one place where Muslims are free to be themselves."

These few sentences say it all. Divided loyalties like this are unacceptable. And it's not just these Muslim kids; there are plenty of "American" middle class kids who have always lived large, and probably share the same view as these Muslim kids for different reasons. The only way to solve this problem, it seems to me, is to make serving in the Armed Forces mandatory upon graduating from high school; war or no war, rich, middle class or poor. Those that don't agree can leave the incomparable USofA, post haste.

And on a final note, I'm a naturalized citizen, and there would be no way I would side with the country of my birth should a conflict between it and the USA occur. To take advantage of the undeniable bounty, and freedom to be who you want to be that this country offers, and not rush to its defense in its hour of need, is disgraceful and ungrateful (sp?) in the extreme. Being an immigrant myself I used to be quite liberal in my view towards immigration, not anymore. The caliber of immigrant we are allowing in now is no where near the caliber of my parents and my brothers and I, who emmigrated in 1958.

I can't put into words how much this article disgusts me

[ninonitti]

They seem to be on the level of Nazis

Islamofascists is what I've heard them called.

I believe that a majority of them support what's happened because of their feelings of inferiority(well-founded IMHO)and sense of entitlement.

[Goetz_von_Berlichingen]

"It comes down to the proof," said Mazen Kased, 17. "If you prove a Muslim did it, that's a different story."

Another 17-year-old student, Ammar Arif, agreed. "If you prove it's Osama bin Laden and I was in the Army, I would go to fight," he said. "That's my duty to my country and my religion as well."

In context, this is meaningless sophistry because the Moslem community has set the evidentiary standard so high as to be realistically unattainable. They will not believe any proof offered because they have already made up their minds.

It sounds as if most Islamic schools are involved in a conspiracy to commit treason, as well as to deprive their neighbors of basic civil rights. It is time to eliminate these hatcheries of domestic terrorists.

[AmishDude]

My father constantly preached about the wonderful country this was, how fortunate we were to live in the USA, that no country in the world had the same freedoms, etc, adnauseum (or so I thought as a child). Now I understand what he meant.

This has been the American immigrant experience for all but the last 40 years. The major difference is that immigration now just means a few hundred dollars and a few hours out of your schedule. Immigrants are not required to have a stake in American society and culture.

[blam]

Makes me reeaal mad!

[Gracey]

Immigrants are not required to have a stake in American society and culture.

And why are they not? It should be an honor and privilege to come here - or to any of the western civilized nations for that matter. Did the leftists do this to us for votes for multiculturism, divesity? I sure wouldn't move to a country if my heart didn't accept their way of life.

[independentmind]

If they don't like this country, why don't they LEAVE? And if the U.S. is anti-Muslim, how did they happen to settle here?

[Bernard]

There are no more acceptable hyphens in front of the word AMERICAN. You can be an American, or you can be a visitor. If you are a visitor, it's time to leave.

[okie_tech]

If a muslim majority comes to power in this country it will be too late for a final solution on them as they will be too busy performing one on you. In fact they do not need a true majority only a coalition of third worlders and blacks will do nicely. Welcome to Multicultural Hell.

[been_lurking]

And once again remember;in any war,there are only two sides.

This is simply the most sophomoric comment I've read today. Congratulations.

[been_lurking]

there are only two sides.....I jumped for joy when GWB said basically the same thing.

The President's comments addressed "terrorists". Your theft, and gross misinterpretation, of those comments is enlightening.

[Kevin Curry]

Let's form an exclusively Muslim infantry division or special forces unit and call for volunteers to fill it--not for taxes to pay for someone else to die, but for warm Muslim bodies to take up arms against bin Laden and his goons.

If they can't do that, let's pack them all up and send them out of this country. The surely do not deserve the freedom they are enjoying.

[porte des morts]

Oh really?

Exactly what is it you find so sophomoric?

[Kevin Curry]

Immigrants are not required to have a stake in American society and culture.

Yes, they are. They are not Americans until they do.

[porte des morts]

What part of this fight against an enemy of this country do you not understand?

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

What the hell are they doing in this country?? Throw them out!!!

[Aedammair]

We await your Mein Kampf; Ms./Mr. Shickelgruber. At least you are an honest demon, which is good for the side that seeks to exorcise you.

[muawiyah]

You suggest that I read the Koran. I have read it. Actually, I have read it in several different translations. I have also read the Bible, and read all those funny little extra books the Catholics put in it. I've read the Mahabarata, and keep a copy of the Bhagavad Gita round. There are even a number of Buddhist scriptures that I've looked into.

Between Jesus telling the disciples to arm themselves just before the Crucifixion and Mohammad encouraging his disciples to battle pagans, there are world's of commentary.

BTW, if you are a pagan, Mo meant "you", not "me"; so, are you a pagan? Frankly, I believe paganism is incompatible with the American forms of law, just like the ACLU view of religion in life is equally incompatible with the American forms of law and our ancient customs.

One of the great mysteries is why the various Islamic councils in America do not speak up against the ACLU, a veritible heart of paganism. Possibly they don't quite understand that group. On the other hand, if Moslems in the US agree with the ACLU, that's probably a pretty good reason to depart them and outlaw the ACLU, eh?!

[AmishDude]

Well, the fact that one was "stuck here" made it very easy to have such a stake. It's very easy to go back home. For many, this is just a place to get an education or earn a much better living.

[been_lurking]

Only two sides in any war? Please.