On the appropriate day for it, Charles Hill, proprietor at Dustbury, writes :
Dear Mo:Yeah, I know, it's that time again. And if it's been tough being a Muslim in the States the past three years, it's really got to be tough when the 11th of September rolls around and the calls of "Never forget!" rise from the land and all you can do is hope they forget about you.
There's just one small problem, though: you're not going to be forgotten.
The estimable Mr. Hill apparently is capable of grasping nuance beyond that available to most pundits and politicians: that while most Muslims are not terrorists, most terrorists are Muslims, and people are going to take notice of that fact, and factor it into their lives and into their decision-making. And, especially in a war environment, that may lead to some uncomfortable conclusions:
And really, Mo, this is an area where you can actually help. I know you don't want anything to do with those murdering thugs swarming out of the Middle East, but until you say so, how does anyone else know? There has been very little outcry from the many Muslims about the activities of the few. While it may seem unfair, silence does breed suspicion, and that makes it hard on you and on your friends. It's not that you'd be speaking out against Islam; you'd be speaking out against murder.
Indeed.
Posted by Craig Ceely at September 11, 2004 03:19 PM