Islam’s Opinion Makers Don’t Help U.S. Image

Mushahid Hussain is right in his call for America to be more consistent in the export of its most valuable commodity--its principles of liberty, equality, human rights and the rule of law (“America’s Goodness Doesn’t Extend Overseas,” Commentary, Oct. 29). We have been too much beholden to the thirst for foreign oil and now suffer the consequences of expedient foreign policy carried out in its name.

But American policy is only half the problem. The other half is the role the Islamic media and opinion makers in the mosques and religious schools play in grossly distorting America and its foreign policy. So long as America is called an oppressor of Islam despite its role protecting Muslims in the Balkans from genocide, so long as America is blamed for the deaths of 500,000 Iraqi children while the direct role Saddam Hussein played in their deaths is ignored, so long as the gullible Muslim public is fed lies about Jews hijacking planes on Sept. 11 to give America an excuse to attack Islam, it won’t much matter what American policy is. Until these influential Muslims start behaving responsibly, the Islamic world will remain what it is in fact today, a breeding ground of hatred, violence, oppression and brutality.

Paul Gulino

Santa Monica

Hussain’s commentary makes sense. Deliberately attacking civilians is always wrong. Accidentally hurting or killing civilians is also wrong. It was wrong in World War II and remains wrong no matter which individual of any national, ethnic or religious group is the victim. There is no such thing as a good terrorist. And no cause justifies hateful behavior to anyone we disagree with. Yes, we have a right to defend ourselves, but we should do so very carefully and more in sadness than in anger.

We must be careful that we are acting on the basis of accurate information. All governments lie from time to time, for “good” reasons of course. As a free people we have the obligation to ask serious questions and to get serious answers.

I have had the privilege of working with other physicians from all over the world. I have found them and their values insignificantly different from mine. Perhaps that is because we all are obliged to help anyone in need regardless of his or her “value.” I have also worked with patients from many national origins, religions and belief systems. Again, I found, at best, only minor differences in what we believe and value. We are all much more alike than different.

Frank Kline MD

Rolling Hills Estates

Hussain’s stunning ignorance of the facts surrounding the Cold War and those leaders who supported communism; of the 100,000 or more body bags that have been brought back from foreign soils, killed while fighting thugs and despots; of our careful labeling of terrorists by their alleged cause (not necessarily as Muslims)--his lack of any understanding of our foreign policy, including the mistakes--is quite honestly chilling. Christians against Jews? How about Nazis against Jews--at least get that one right.

Jake Clark

Redondo Beach