Today's Post Dispatch shows that the same organization is protesting ADL Abe Foxman's appearance at this weekend's interfaith dinner. Foxman is coming to promote better relations between all people and this protest shows just one thing-hatred of Jews.

In view of the Anti Defamation League's actions opposing anti-Semitism and anti-Islamism the protest also calls into question the motives of the protesters. Where was their protest against Islamo-facists on 9/11? Instead of protesting perhaps the protestors should ask to meet with Mr. Foxman or better yet hear his speach.

Here is the link:

http://domino.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/religion/story/7A5E944FEDB5E739862571E2001BB0F8?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2C%22foxman%22

The term "Islamo-facist" is an offensive one aimed at casting aspersions on people of the Islamic faith. While there are some nations with totalitarian regimes that happen to also follow the Islamic faith, there are, and have been many through-out history, that are not in Islamic nations, such as Fidel Castro's Cuba, Kim Jong Il's North Korea, and Teodoro Obiang's Equatorial Guinea. But we don't see pressure on these dictators from within this administration, or calls from the conservative talk-show hosts that coined the phrase "Islamo-facist," to export democracy to those nations. What we have instead is clearly a case of discriminatory and selective persecution of those of the Islamic faith.

Frankly, I am surprised that a supporter of the ADL and other inter-faith and progressive causes would use such a term.

I disagree with you. There is a group of people who have targeted Westerners, American and Jews. This group is a subgroup of Muslims-A small but significant subgroup. They are facists-and they are Muslim. Therefore the term is descriptive. Obviously most Muslims are not Islamofacists-but Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Queada are aptly descibed by this term.

You might be interested to know that I submitted a letter to the Post within the past two months. My letter argued that the current conflict in the Mideast was a part of the ultimate battle between the west and the "barbarians." When the letter was published the Post -(not a big knee jerkl supporter of Israel or hater of Islam) substituted my word with "Islamofacist" Thus I think your contention that the term is polically incorrect is in itself incorrect.

You are correct that I am an ADL member and a life long liberal-I think President Bush made a huge mistake in invading Iraq-not because it was wrong to do so but because the mess that we are in was predictable. I also am a supporter of Israel and I believe the demonstrators at last night's event apply double standards to Israel's right to defend itself. For example. Bill Ramsey-a long time peace activist was reportedly at the demonstration. Mr. Ramsey is a good person but where was he demonstrating the the suicide bombers killed the children Dophanarium bombing-when did he speak out agains the Kassim rockets from Gaza- or the Katushas from Hezbollah?

I do thank you Mr. Reems for calling me and expressing your opinion. We are each fortunate that we live in a country where we can speak at an ADL dinner or demonstrate outside of it, use our real names on a web site and call each other to disagree. Even though the Patriot Act is limiting our rights I'd still prefer to live here than in one of the countries you described or any other non-democratic country whether in the mideast or not.

Travis, I have lived in the heart of Islam, studied and spoken Arabic, and studied Islam. Be cautious in what you say, because there are definitely radical Islamic groups who, if they came across you, would force you to become Muslim or lose your head.

Just reflect on what is taking place between Shiiites and Sunnis. I believe the administration at this point is trying to discern between the radicals and those Muslims who would choose to live and let live (but they are a minority in the world, no not doubt it). As Americans, we want to be fair and all inclusive, but we must not be naive or stupid at the same time. The majority of Muslims in the international world would choose to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and then do what harm they could to Christians. Have you been to Egypt or any other country where Islam is the predominant religion? There is absolutely no freedom of conviction, religion, or ability to pursue any career in government, universities, etc.

All I ask is that you research and not be naive. Naivete is what allowed someone like Hitler and Stalin to rise to power.

In closing let me just say, Ou Allah ibarkik (May God bless you.).

Helen:

It is generally agreed that there are militant Muslims in the world, just as there are militants/extremists from most groups, but they are in the minority. Most Muslims are, as we would say in the west, "God-fearing", peace-loving individuals. What we have here is a case of a few bad apples. We shouldn't throw the barrel out, but rather be selective in our efforts to root out terror.

That being said, we should continue to support our friend, Israel, as we should our other friends, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, etc.

Travis, did you miss something in history as to how Islam spread? Name a Muslim country, and I can show you how downtrodden any Christian, Jew, or someone of another religion or lack thereof is either persecuted or a second-class citizen at best. If you focus on the word "individuals," you have a point. But unlike Americans and a strong emphasis on individualism, they are not individuaistic. They don't think individualistically; they think collectively, which is why there is such strong feelings toward infidels.

Read history to see how strong the hatred and violence has been directed against particularly Christians and Jews throughout Dar-Al-Islam. Hindus and Buddhists have suffered terribly as well.

On what basis are substantiation do you base your statement they are "peace-loving individuals?"

I'm not trying to be argumentative--just factual from the standpoint of Islam itself, the Koran, and what transpires in countries that are Islamic in government, power, and the legal system.

There is lot of misconception about muslims in United States you can visit St. Louis Muslim website. http://www.stlislam.org and enlighten yourself about Islam. You can also pose questions and read articles in the forum.