To sheila, Apr 2, 2008 – 1:46:
We all agree on the fundamentalist part. Basically, your reproach to muslims in general, reduces to the one that the average muslim does not speak out against crimes which are being done in the name of islam. That is a long way from the view that European islamic practice is inherently fundamentalist or violent!
When asked, the majority of euromuslims are clearly against, to name 2 examples, the 9/11 and Madrid bombing acts. The 2006 Gallup poll is widely quoted (and, probably, bashed). Their methodology is acceptable, however. There are some summaries on their site http://media.gallup.com/WorldPoll/PDF/GALLUP+MUSLIM+STUDIES_Moderate+v+Extremist+Views_11.13.06_FINAL.pdf . You say that the average Catholic has no problem speaking out against abuse etc.. Well, neither has the average muslim: It is clear that there is no acquiescence.
So, this leaves us the reproach, that euromuslims are supposed to actively go out and speak out. Well, they, themselves, of course, because their political representatives in the parliaments in Europe have already done that. Muslims vote the same parties as everybody else in Europe. You must agree that the most logical way to influence society is to vote the party which represents your ideas best. Your requirement seems to be, that they do not just let the europoliticians speak for them, but that they must do something extra, because they happen to be muslim.
I could have done better than a parallel with Catholics in the above posting, because in large parts of europe, christians are christians in name only. But, OK, when asked, all catholics are against the acts of priest-pedophiles. But how many have taken to the streets to protest against it ? You just leave the case to the police! Should we say “very very few “moderate” christians(except of a couple of notable and courageous exceptions) speak out against” this abuse ? Come on …
Let me speculate. You expect millions of euromuslims to take to the streets and protest against extremism which is carried out in the name of Islam ? Huh ? Don’t you think that they are taking part, like the rest of us, in demonstrations against ANY kind of extremism ? To be honest, I have never taken part in any protest against the Lord’s Resistance Army, nor have I publicly spoken out against priests who manage to come close to little boys under the church’s cover. In Europe, there already is a consensus on all these issues.
Do not let yourself be guided by fear. There are extremists among muslims in Europe. Just as there is a non-negligeable percentage of the population, which favour extreme right, or left wing parties. Given Europe’s history, this shouldn’t be forgotten. But it is manageable. And Europe can manage it, and, at the same time, preserve its ideals of respect, personal freedom, diversity, and protection of the individual.
