PJ: The US expects Muslim leaders to denounce extremists in their midst. US Congressman King holds hearings focusing on the radicalization of Muslims in the US. But when are US leaders going to be held accountable for ignoring the build up of hate inspired, anti-Muslim activities in their own country? Hateful rhetoric practiced in some of America's Christian organizations could be seen by Muslims as the same type of radicalization that Muslim organizations are accused of.
I have, however, not heard Muslim organizations (or Muslim countries) make those same demands of the US government or of Christian organizations. At least I haven't heard a very loud cry. And yet, the practice of hate-speech that may lead to violence does exist in the US. The Westboro Church practices hate speech against just about everybody and their rights are defended by the Supreme Court. Internet Evangelist Bill Keller preached against Islam in New York City to protest the building of a Mosque within a mile of Ground Zero (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/06/bill-keller-ground-zero-internet-evangelist-islam_n_706732.html). In 2002 Pat Buchanan recorded the following:
"I think Muhammad was a terrorist ... a violent man, a man of war," said the Rev. Jerry Falwell on "60 Minutes." He added, "Jesus set the example for love. ... Muhammad set an opposite example." Murderous riots broke out in India, and an Iranian cleric threatened Falwell with assassination. "The Koran teaches that the end of the world will not come until every Jew is killed by Muslims," says the Rev. Pat Robertson. He compares the Koran's message on Jews to "Mein Kampf." "There is no doubt the religion of Muhammad ... is extreme and violent."
"I don't believe this is a wonderful, peaceful religion," adds Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, "When you read ... the verses from the Koran, it instructs the killing of the infidel ... those that are non-Muslim."
And most recently we saw the ugly display of so-called "patriotic"(?) Americans chant "go home" in Orange Country California last month as American Muslims attended a fund raiser held by an American Muslim relief group for relief work and charity in the U.S. (video and story: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/video/protesters-target-calif-muslim-groups-charity-fundraiser/article1929912/)
Americans have a point in expecting Muslims to police their own, to guard against extremists that may promote violence. Shouldn't Muslims expect the same of other faiths and of the US?
Associated Press of Pakistan
Pakistani and US leaders urge tolerance, harmony in Bhatti memorial service
WASHINGTON, March 10 (APP): The Pakistani embassy in Washington held a memorial service to pay tribute to assassinated Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti as Pakistani and American leaders advocated the need for continuing his legacy and efforts towards inter-faith harmony, tolerance and respect for pluralism.Islamabad’s ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani told the gathering of State Department leaders, Pakistani-Americans and representatives of leading faiths that Islam and Pakistan’s founders teach respect for other religions.
He said the majority of Pakistanis respect the law and other religions but added they should break their silence when extremists kill moderate people and deface Islam, which is a peaceful, loving and tolerant religion.
The Pakistanis, he said, are aware of the challenge they face and extremists’ actions to eliminate those who confront their ideology shows that the radicals cannot prevail in the free marketplace of ideas.
The extremists know that they cannot prevail with arguments and that is why they try to stifle the voices opposing them, the ambassador noted.
Shahbaz Bhatti and Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer paid for their courage with their lives, Haqqani said and added that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated by those who fear moderation, tolerance and pluralism.
“It’s time we revived Islam’s traditions of inclusivensness --- time for all Pakistanis to stand up agaiast extremism and narrow interpretations --- for a pluralist Pakistan that is in harmony with rest of the world,” Haqqani said.
Those who attended the memorial service included Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero, Assistant Secretary of State Michael H Posner, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman, former Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth,MNA Farahnaz Ispahani, Ambassador Rafat Mahmood, former Senator Khawaja Akbar, Pakistani Christian leaders Earnest Gulab, Anjum Bhatti,Manny Alam and Stewar John.
Rev. Joseph Sobierajski led prayers for the slain Pakistani Minister while Pakistani Christian leader Dominique Issac paid tribute to the memory and life of Shahbaz Bhatti.
In her remarks, Undersecretary Maria Otero said the United States joins the Pakistani nation in mourning the loss of “courageous” Shahbaz Bhatti, who worked to uphold religous freedom. She conveyed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s profound grief over the loss.
She praised Bhatti’s extraordinary dedication as he persisted with his efforts in the face of dangers.
Member National Assembly Farahnaz Ispahani said Shahbaz Bhatti was a symbol for minorities protection, a fighter and a leader. He consistently spoke out for the principles of tolerance and relgious equality that has been an integral part of the platforms of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
She also recalled some of the accomplishments of Shahbaz Bhatti like his proposal to the Ministry of Education for introduction of comparative religion courses as a curriculum subject, a five per cent quota for all government jobs to minorities, four reserved Senate seats for minorities and many other ideas for welfare of minorities.
http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133276&Itemid=39
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