House Committee on Homeland: "The Extent of Radicalization in the American
Muslim Community and the Community's Response"
March 10, 2011
Updated: February 4, 2014
Diane W. Collins
dcollins@marketingweb.com
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Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Chairman House Committee on Homeland Security |
Washington, DC - Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing entitled, "The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and the Community's Response." Needless to say, the Left went crazy pre-judging the intent and accusing Rep. King of beginning the new "McCarthy era." Nothing could have been farther from the truth.
The personal testimonies of parents who had their children radicalized and the precise, educated comments of Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of The American Islamic Forum for Democracy were not only moving but provided a framework to differentiate radicals from peaceful, American citizens whose religion is Islam. "The ability within the Islamic community to separate church and state is not something their culture teaches them to do," Dr. Jasser said as he asked for support in educating his community. Therein, lies the difference... a culture of theocracy vs democracy within the Republic.
Chairman King did a very good job of maintaining balance during the committee hearing. The usual vitriol from the Left surfaced as attempts to obfuscate the purpose of the hearing were made. But, those attempts only served to prove how little grasp the Left has on the actual problem being faced by those in the Muslim community who wish to "modernize."
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Zuhdi Jasser The American Islamic Forum for Democracy |
Dr. Jasser spoke of the multiple differences within the community and their need for support in assimilating American culture. Again, he emphasized the fact that the idea of separation of church and state is a foreign concept to muslims and Islam. "Imam means teacher, not leader," Dr. Jasser testified as he explained the importance of differentiating "political Islam" from Islam as a person's faith choice. Political Islam as defined by Dr. Jasser is a movement whose purpose is to create a theocratic state using Sharia law. Identifying varieties, he spoke of Iran, the Wahabi movement in Saudi Arabia and cited the "slippery version" who purport to believe in democracy like the Muslim Brotherhood. On the topic of radical mosques, Dr. Jasser reminded the committee the Wahabi have funneled billions into mosques in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, as well as others.
Update 2/04/14:
It is clear, Americans need to know more. If as Dr. Jasser says, "The ability within the Islamic community to separate church and state is not something their culture teaches them to do," then we must ask ourselves this question. Do we believe there is any difference between "political Islam" and those who have "chosen Islam as their faith" other than the degree to which they accept and implement the tenets of Islam? How can we know if we are "assimilating" a population that by its faith is opposed to our American ideals or not? We must educate ourselves, carefully. We must learn more about our Muslim population... not out of fear but with compassion and ask the crucial question. Is Islam compatible with democracy? If not, are we ready to accept the changes to our laws Muslims through our electoral system may wish to pursue?
Contact: Representatives, Contact: Senators
Further Reading: