Columbus Dispatch Poll on Islam

The Columbus Dispatch
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The Hot Issue: Do you believe that mainstream Islam encourages violence against nonbelievers?
65% Yes
35% No

The Columbus Dispatch conducted this online poll, and solicited comments. Although nearly wo-thirds of the respondents answered “yes,” many of them included thoughtful comments distinguishing between mainstream Islam and mainstream American Muslims. Many said the mainstream American Muslims were peaceful and tolerant despite the teachings of Islam.

Those who said “no” clearly confused mainstream, peaceful tolerant Muslims with mainstream Islam. They are, fortunately, different.

Most Muslims in America are decent, peaceful and tolerant people. They accept jihad only as a personal struggle. However, it is undeniable that Islam contains many violent adherents. Those who engage in violent jihad have been killing innocents. They are trying to destroy the American way of life. They are trying to impose Islam upon the world by the sword.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is part of the problem. It definitely is not part of the solution. Rather than promote strong relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, CAIR promotes victimization of Muslims. Regardless of the truth or falsity of any crimes in which Muslims are victims, according to CAIR, the crimes are hate crimes. As a result, CAIR serves violent jihad, not peace. It seeks to drive a wedge between Muslims and non-Muslims in America.

If it were the purpose of CAIR to promote peaceful relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, CAIR would position itself as fighting terrorism at all levels. CAIR would accept the obvious. CAIR would recognize that Islam has produced terrorists. They are not a majority of Muslims, but it cannot deny that Islam produces terrorists. CAIR should publicly denounce the elements of Islam that continues to produce terrorists. CAIR should work to position American Muslims as denouncing all terrorist activity in the name of Islam. CAIR should openly organize opposition to Islamic terrorists, even if that means informing to the authorities about terrorist activity and terrorist rhetoric within mosques.

Without that, CAIR and other American Muslims send the message that the brotherhood of Muslims is more important than the lives of innocent victims of terrorism.