I welcome the initiative by U.S. Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, to hold hearings on Islamic radicalism.
It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting peace in a society, and it is our responsibility to seek the source of such hate and work to mitigate and find lasting solutions.
Indeed, the last few attempts to mess with our nation’s security have come from men flaunting the Muslim label, and, as Muslim Americans, it becomes our individual and collective responsibility to participate in ensuring the safety of every American.
We have to identify the criminals who are individually accountable for their actions and need to punish them expediently according to the law.
As a civil society, we must also resist the temptation to blame their family, nation and religion and not legitimize their attempts to hide under a religious label for their evil acts.
Phrases such as “Islamic radicalism” are oxymoron and must be avoided to uphold our civility.
Mike Ghouse, President
World Muslim Congress
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