MAILBAG:Foundations of Islam are at odds with what the West values

Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini objects to my claim (in “Irrational intolerance is a frightening reality,” Spiritual Guidance, May 19) that Islam is inimical to Western values (“Respect, peace must be spiritual priorities,” Community Commentary, May 25).

The foundational value of Western society is democracy. Where is the tradition of democracy or its presence today in Islamic lands? A Western value is freedom of religion. How is it that in Islamic lands the wearing of a Cross or possession of a New Testament is an “insult to Islam” and a punishable offense? The West upholds the value of equality. The Sharia police ensure the subordination of women in Islamic lands, which extends to their even being seen. The value of peace is enshrined in Western thought. I hope the imam will forthrightly and consistently condemn the thousands of Muslim leaders who spew the most vile anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism to millions of adoring worshippers and who call for a global jihad against the U.S. and Israel.

Before the imam deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he should look to his own house. As Professor Salim Mansur writes: “More Muslims have been killed by Muslims, more Muslims continue to be victimized by Muslims, and more Muslims are in danger of dying at the hands of Muslims than non-Muslims.” The number of casualties inflicted by Israel in wars forced upon the Jewish state is paltry compared with the millions of Muslims murdered by fellow worshippers of Allah.

And let him also confront the fact that the gravest threat to life and civilization in all of history emanates from Iran, a Shiite theocracy.

MARK S. MILLER

Editor’s note: Miller is the rabbi at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach.

Give platform to reasonable voicesIt is puzzling why the Pilot appears to be providing a platform to those against immigration reform rather than presenting balanced reporting on the subject.

The Pilot lately has had more columns devoted to expressions of outrage over the U.S. Senate compromise bill rather than reporting benefits to be gained from fixing a broken immigration system. Reform is long overdue. The Senate bill is in no way amnesty. To describe it in this way is deliberately misleading and represents a pandering to political special interests.

Congressional passage would represent a great act of humanity to give illegal immigrants a chance to secure temporary work permits. They in turn would provide major economic benefits to our country. Labor shortages in agriculture and the service industries would be met, and government would collect new income-tax and Social Security revenues.

ED HEPNER