Most Americans know nothing about Islam

Submitted by George Lehrer (United States), Aug 14, 2002 at 17:36

Dear Mr. Pipes:
I take large exception to your opinion in the Jerusalem Post, especially:

"These readers surely are not typical of American opinion, but their informed antagonism towards Islam bears remarking. It is likely to have a larger political role as Islam increasingly becomes a central topic of discussion in the West. "

Most Americans do not have a knowledgeable opinion of Islam. Most do not know anything about Islam, its history, the Koran, etc. I can prove it. Go up to any random American and ask them to give a definition of Islam and Muslim. I bet you 5 cents that you won't find one person who knows this most basic information on this topic.

However, your opinion article missed over the most important problem with Islam. It is the way that it is practiced. If you take any group of people, and cause them to perform illogical acts, day in and day out, and couch all of this in a religious framework, the members of this group soon lose their ability to think for themselves. I have direct and personal experience with this matter. It occurred to me in the United States Army. Some call this conditioning. Some call it brainwashing. However it is labeled, it is very dangerous. If you don't believe me, the next time that you are in New York, take a look at where the World Trade Towers used to be. I believe that this is just the beginning.

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