Re: Reply to Abdul Comments - Welcome To The 21st Century Islamic Warfare

Submitted by IBK (United States), Aug 22, 2006 at 19:21

I am so gratified by your response it's hard to put into words. I want to continue our dialogue largely because I had several colleagues at work a few years ago who are Muslim. Two in particular are father and son. My experience of them was that they were quite assimilated. The father was born in Pakistan and has lived here well over 30 years. The son was born here and was almost like a nephew to me. We never got real close but their was a wonderful chemistry and rapport. I think about him often as I hear ideas expressed about not trusting Muslims and this whole crazy environment and how he might be experiencing it. He is, as far as I know, a totally integrated, hip guy with a great sense of humor. He is very smart. His father and another colleague, who is Jewish, worked together for many years and formed a good friendship of many years. The son I refer used to call this man 'uncle' since he was a small boy.

I know these are all 'trappings', signs, attributes of friendship and love that might very well be present perhaps up until right before someone snaps. But maybe, just maybe, there are many cases just like this where young, assimilated, educated people, kind of pay lip service to their old religion, just maybe out of respect for their parents and tradition. There is a generational process like this among many Jewish families. It would sure be nice - maybe a solution - were this to happens in Islamic society but it seems there's a critical mass in the other direction - larger than the evolution you represent. I have this desire to contact this young man.. the son - who's now in his early 30's and speak about this with him. I hear and understand your clear, powerful formulation well.

Take care. I am a complete non- believer... though my socialization suggests I say to you, with all good wishes, "Bless You." Maybe I'll let you know how it works via your email address. Peace.

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