A Challenge to American Islamic Leaders

Sometimes a seed of an idea moves one to action...even unusual actions!

I spoke this week at a Republican event for the California Federation for Republican Women. The program was very well received as I talked about what values unite us as Republicans. I was also fortunate to hear the stirring and thoughtful words of Republican Representative Ed Royce from Orange County. After returning recently from Israel, he talked about the need for a new front on the war on terrorism. He shared how Ronald Reagan had combined a strong military with an equal commitment to Radio Liberty in defeating communism. Our military buildup helped break the Soviet budget, but the steady beaming of information about liberty, freedom and a free press helped stir the hearts of citizens behind the Iron Curtain. Today, there are more Western books in Greece than in the entire Middle East combined. With terrorists aggressively filling the citizens with hatred, there is an overwhelming need for strong new voice from the free world and the responsible Muslim world that comes by radio, TV, the Internet,...any way citizens can be reached.

I shared a similar message in a recent column/post where I called on peace-loving Islamic leaders to help fund "Radio/TV Free Islam" dedicated to taking back their religion. Today, I read of the new elected president of the Islamic Society of North America (http://www.isna.net/), Ingrid Mattson. Ingrid is the first woman president of ISNA. She was concerned about President Bush's use of the term "Islamic Fascist," claiming that "when we then bestow that term upon them we only make the situation worse and somehow give validity to their claims, which we need to deny and reject."

I decided to send a letter to Ingrid Mattson congratulating her on her position and challenging her to make a difference as a leader in a unique way. Here is the hand written message I sent to her:

"Dear Ingrid, I am a columnist for the Ventura County Star newspaper in CA and a speaker to the Republican party. I want to congratulate you on your position. In recent columns, I have focused that, though military force is needed to win the war against terrorism, it clearly is not enough. We must win the war for peace. Your faith is constantly criticized, and I hear many Islamic spokespersons say that they do not cover the positive things that are being done by Muslim Americans.

I'm writing you personally, because as a past president of the International Federation for Professional Speakers, I know presidents want to make a difference that comes from having that position. I would like the Islamic Society of North America to propose a unifying initiative to create a Radio Free Islam designed to beam true Islamic faith messages in the Middle East--a message by Internet, Radio, and TV! We strongly need an Islamic voice 24/7 to counter the hatred and terrorism now spread in the name of your faith.

As a devout Christian, I would hate to see terrorists hijack my faith's name. I suggest a press conference with a challenge and a promise. Challenge America to fund Radio Free Middle East, and promise to fund an Islamic program to send a new positive message to people in desperate need of peace.

Many of your ISNA press releases criticize the use of force. I ask you to put more energy and focus on promoting Peace 24/7. Such efforts worked against communism; it can help against terrorism. I ask you to consider using this as the initiative that defines your leadership. Thank you for considering this! Terry Paulson"

What do you think about a second push for Radio Liberty Middle East? Do you think American Muslims could or should get behind such a position? Should Bush add this as a front on the war against terrorism? I think so!

Comments

[Uwais]

Once again, hello there!. i think that Radio Liberty Middle East is indeed a great idea. And i think that muslims are the very people who should be at the forefront of it, since it is their religion that is under attack here. Unfortunately, it has become the misconception of the public that "islam" means wrapping a scarf round your face and taking to the streets, guns in hand. The world needs to be told, first and foremost, by muslims themselves, that this is not the case. Has there been any kind of progress regarding Radio Liberty Middle East?