Un-American Responses to Global Terrorism

While I am saddened by the rash of hate crimes against Arab Americans, I must admit that after reading about the schools in Pakistan where isolated children are taught extreme hatred toward America and Jews, my tolerance turned to seething rage and tears of despair (“Pakistan’s Muslim Schools Preach Dark View of U.S.,” Sept. 19).

We cannot fight terrorism until this kind of indoctrination comes to an end. And the West cannot make that happen; the international Islamic community must take responsibility. If the Muslim pundits espousing outrage at the terror attacks are to be believed, that Islam is a religion of peace, they’ll need to put their money and efforts where their mouths are and fight to eradicate these schools of virulent hatred from their midst. To do otherwise is to have complicity in fostering terrorism.

Frances Segal

Laguna Niguel

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Today I was witness to a sad and terrible act.

My good friend of more than 10 years was the random victim of a hate crime; her only fault was that she was of Iranian descent. A young man felt he had the right to take a baseball bat and hammer to smash in the car parked in her driveway. Little did he know or care that she runs a day care center (full of American children) and that she and her family are U.S. citizens, having lived here more than 20 years.

This family chose to leave Iran because they did not support the actions of the Iranian government, even though it meant leaving behind their relatives, home and life savings in order to pursue the American dream of freedom and happiness. They stand more for the American way than the person who chose to commit this heinous act. I beseech all Americans to stay united and not direct their sorrow and anger against other Americans.

Terry Saucier

Tarzana

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In the days since the Sept. 11 attack, Americans have found many ways to respond. We have donated blood. We have displayed flags. We have lit candles. Let me suggest another thing Americans can do to show their solidarity in response to the terrorism:

Patronize Arab-and Muslim-owned businesses.

The terrorists want to think that they represent a united Islamic force against America and the West. They believe the world’s Muslims are on their side. But they are wrong.

Muslim Americans--and Muslims around the world--did not commit this act. Americans can reject the terrorists’ worldview by showing that we do not see Muslim Americans as part of their army. Their army is small. Muslim Americans are on our side, the side of peace, justice and tolerance.

I would ask every American to patronize an Arab-or Muslim-owned business at least once in the coming days. Eat in a Middle Eastern restaurant. Shop in an Arab-owned shop. Show the terrorists that we know just how small their faction is.

Hans Noel

Los Angeles

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The problem is not Muslims, it is fundamentalist Muslims. Will the nonfundamentalists please come forward and take the lead in corralling the terrorists of their faith? We should expect this in all faiths.

Ken Hart

Long Beach