There was a headline in the Raleigh News & Observer yesterday. I was busy shopping then making a platform bed so didn't have time to read it but it was on my mind now and then. The headline was "American Muslims feel threatened" because of 9/11. Well, that's not good. I don't think anyone should live in fear.

Thing is, Muslims, we all live in fear now. Frankly, I don't foresee any change in the near future. You'll forgive me for bringing it up but the people who flew those planes into those buildings and that field were Muslims. The people who tried to shoot down an Israeli airliner yesterday were Muslims. The people who blew up the Marine barracks in Lebanon were Muslims. Are ya seeing a connection here?

Yes, I've heard, courtesy of CAIR, that there are more peaceful Muslims than there are nonpeaceful Muslims. They're not in the majority in Bali, though. They're not in the majority in Nigeria, either--and they're not in London. Maybe if you peaceful Muslims would hold some noisy demonstrations condemning the nonpeaceful Muslims, we might be kinder towards you. Not that we're unkind, most of us, that is. But we're very wary and not as friendly and open as we used to be. You can understand why, can't you? You can't blame us, can you?

So, please understand why I don't feel overly sympathetic when you complain that you feel threatened. If you don't want to feel that way, help us in the war on terror. Volunteer to translate documents or recorded phone conversations. Or volunteer to dish out the grub at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at your local shelter--and make sure you get publicity so you can explain you're trying to bridge some gaps here. Collect some toys to give to needy kids. Do something to show you appreciate being in this country--be a part of it instead of apart from it. We'll all feel better if you do.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2002

Answers

They'll never do it. And they'll say it's fear.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2002

You're preaching to the choir, OG.

And if Muslims in general had a better work ethic, they wouldn't have half of the problems they do.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2002