For almost two years, I’ve walked on eggshells because of my identity as a Muslim.
I’ve had to hold my breath when dressed in my religious attire, when passing through security at the airports, and even when potential employers discover that I’m a Muslim.
For two years, I’ve witnessed the construction of the Patriot Act, which strips some Americans of their basic rights.
However, it is not because I’m anti-American that I’m disturbed by the front page article about Muslim chaplains in prison. It is precisely because I believe in American values of acceptance, free speech, and tolerance that I am very bothered by it.
Weeks before a large Islam in America (ISNA) convention takes place, an article is written labeling ISNA leaders as co-conspirators in the 1993 World Trade Center attacks.
All of these claims are, of course, only “alleged,” yet such a story is allowed to take a spot on the front page.
I call on those of you who read the article to contact ISNA leaders, to attend the ISNA convention, and to read the writings of Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Feel free to notify authorities if you find one shred of extremism or terrorism in any of those exchanges. I call on the journalists to stand by the values upon which this country was built.
