I just got this email this morning, which consists of an anti-Muslim and anti-Obama email chain which was responded to by a Muslim American. I'm taking the names out of the response, in case this diary attracts any attention.
The response is not my own, and I'm not going to add to it any more than to say that the whole vein of the Democratic Party argument has been far too much "How dare you call Obama a Muslim -- it's a downright lie!" with far too little "...not that there's anything wrong with that..." Not so long ago widespread fear of "Bolshevikism" in the midst of a severe economic downturn was effectively twisted into fear of a certain religious minority who had for centuries battled widespread prejudice and was at the time closely identified with that "Bolshevikism" -- with nasty consequences for that religious minority. Something similar sometimes seems not too improbable in the good 'ole US of A.
Follow the flip, where I've posted the anti-Muslim, anti-Obama email first, and then the response...
From:
Sent: 04, 2008 03:39
To:
Subject: FW: Can Muslims be good Americans?
Hello ______:
Would you be able to tell me how much of the enclosed message is actually true?
Thank You,
_______
THE EMAIL CHAIN LETTER:
CAN MUSLIMS BE GOOD AMERICANS?
Okay everyone, I just want to go on the record that I'm in no way
racist against anyone and/or their beliefs; however not everyone is running for president. I just thought you might find this interesting.
CAN MUSLIMS BE GOOD AMERICANS?
This is very interesting and we all need to read it from
start to Finish and send it on to anyone who will read it. Maybe this is why our American Muslims are so quiet and not speaking out about any atrocities. Can a good Muslim be a good American? This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years.. The following is his reply:
Theologically - no. . . . Because his allegiance is to
Allah, The moon God of Arabia
Religiously - no. . . Because no other religion is accepted
by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - no. . . Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - no . Because his allegiance is to Mecca ,
to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no. . . Because his allegiance to Islam forbids
him to make friends with Christians or Jews ...
Politically - no. . . Because he must submit to the mullahs
(spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan.
Domestically - no. . . Because he is instructed to marry
four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)
Intellectually - no. . Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. . . Because Islam, Muhammad, and the
Quran does not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. . . Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore, after much study and deliberation.... Perhaps we
should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our
country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand.... ....
And Barack Hussein Obama, a Muslim, wants to be our
President? You have GOT to be kidding! Wake up America !
Obama even says if he wins the election, he will be sworn in on the Quran---not a Bible!
Footnote: He was sworn in on the Quran for his current
office and he refuses to pledge allegiance to the United States or put his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is played!
The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within.
Hello! Having a Muslim president would seem to fit the bill! Will you trust this man with our national secrets?
SO FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
THE MARINES WANT THIS TO ROLL ALL OVER THE U.S.
Please don't delete this.
RESPONSE:
Dear ___:
Thank you for soliciting my opinion about the enclosed article on Muslims. Your friend and mine Dr. _____ and I are proud members of that large minority group. Like millions of others, we both consider ourselves good citizens and challenge anyone who can prove otherwise. Neither of us is a religious scholar by any stretch of the imagination. But, speaking for myself, there are things I can discern from my own educated observations.
There are several million Muslims living in this country, most of whom are major contributors to the American dream. They are lawyers, teachers, scientists, doctors, architects, engineers, financiers, industrial tycoons, philanthropists, journalists, writers, investment specialists, politicians, peace activists and social reformers etc. One would be hard pressed to find any Muslim US Citizens who are homeless, flagrant law breakers, welfare recipients, loafers, sex offenders, swindlers, drug users, murderers, etc. The ranks of US military includes thousands of Muslim volunteers.
Yes, there is also a very insignificant minority of Muslim zealots who do capture the headlines from time to time. But, compared to the average number of weirdoes and crooks who live in our communities, they are too minute to fear or reckon with. I wish the person who wrote that lopsided article could cite some numbers to put things in perspective.
It is the likes of that author who go to great pains to pit one religion against another. He/she exemplifies the worst breed of hate mongers who by nature of their disregard of separation of state and religion, try to shove their irrational, one-sided opinions down everyone’s throats. It is so sad that these allegations are sometimes readily believed by a naive public. I wish that the author had the courage to reveal his/her name and avail himself/herself for an open dialog that could set the record straight. The horrendous statement about presidential candidate Obama is both false and ridiculous, and I am willing to wager that even his opposing candidate McCain will attest to that falsehood. If you don’t believe it, just ask.
With my best regards,
_____