Loyalty exam for Muslim-Americans

By: Cenk Uygur   Source: iViews Nov 10, 2009 8 Comments

Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality Views: 3098
3098

Predictably, after the Ft. Hood shooting some conservatives are suggesting that we do some sort of loyalty exam for Muslim-Americans before allowing them into the US military. Who is "we"? Who gets to do this exam? What, presumably more American people like whites or Christians? 

Why don't Muslim Americans decide which Christians get to enter the US military? Oh, does that sound offensive? Does it sound weird? Why should it sound any different than Christians getting to decide which other Americans they will allow into the US military?

A lot of people are rightfully making the point that you can not generalize about millions of Muslims in this country based on two guys. Just as you cannot generalize about all right-leaning white Christians (let alone all Christians in their entirety) based on what domestic terrorists like Tim McVeigh did, or Terry Nichols, or Eric Rudolph, or Scott Roeder or ...

But there is a more important point here. Muslims Americans don't have to prove a damn thing. They are Americans just like anyone else, whether right-wing conservatives like it or not. They are not 80% American. They are not 90% as American as conservatives. You don't get to judge how American they are. 

Here is the unalterable fact that the right-wing of this country has to get used to: Muslim-Americans are 100% American. There are no degrees of how American you are. They have the same exact rights, privileges and responsibilities as any other American does. They don't have to answer to conservatives.

I'm agnostic now, but I was born Muslim. My whole family is Muslim. They're all Americans. Not one of them is one percent less of an American than any other race or religion in this country. My family became American by becoming naturalized. If anything, that shows that we are even more loyal to this country. Our citizenship is not an accident of birth, we chose America.

If someone challenges how American I am based on my race, ethnicity or religion (or lack thereof), them's fightin' words. These colors don't run. There is no one in the country more American than I am.

And at least I understand the whole point of the country. We are all created equal. We all have the same rights. We do not judge people based on their race or religion. That is part and parcel of what America is all about. And if you don't understand that, I question how American you are.

Cenk Uygur is host of The Young Turks, the first ever live, daily web television talk show. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania - Wharton School of Business and Columbia University Law School. He worked as a lawyer, television writer and television host before starting The Young Turks. Cenk also blogs on Huffington Post, Daily Kos, Politico and AOL Newsbloggers.

  Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality
Views: 3098
 
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Older Comments:
HELGA WITHEM FROM US said:
I am 100% in agreement with Cenk Uygur. I immigrated from Germany and chose to become a US citizen, and more often than not seem to care more about this country than people born here. When discussing political issues, I am treated very different and get told to go back to my country. My answer: I AM IN MY COUNTRY. I am convinced Americans need to read more about other cultures & travel more outside their country. Sadly, many see no need and prefer isolationism. Keep up the good work believing in this country. Helga
2010-01-08
MOHAMMED AZHER FROM U.S.A. said:
We are all created equal. We all have the same rights. We do not judge people based on their race or religion. That is part and parcel of what America is all about.
2009-11-18
SHAHNAZ MUHAMMAD FROM US said:
excellent time for all americans to speak up for peace&justice for all there are no chosen ones
2009-11-12
AD FROM NIGERIA said:
The 'we' brother has nothing to do with ordinary americans but a lot with the Zionists ruling the US and to a large extent the world.

They are the clean 'creations' of the world so any other must be subjected to scrutiny before allowed to enjoy God's mercies.

This article and its type should have come out and being repeated time and time again since after 9/11 so that the message sink deep into the majority sane population of this earth. The trend of this new terror is everywhere not just the USA no where is safe from this so call 'profiling' of muslims in particular. But there is a limit to everything. You may think you are always getting away with things but one day the net will be all around you and then no escape..
2009-11-12
PATEL FROM CANADA said:
I agree with you Abdul. I am loyal to my country Canada which does not mean I must support it at any cost. Our ex prime minister did not support Iraq war which does not mean he is not loyal to his country. And I beleive some peoples lost ability to think. If Islam hate non believers than why would other non muslim countries around the world living peacefully? ex. Mexico, Central and South America. Muslims live in those countries peacefully. As a muslim, the best thing to do is keep patience and leave it to Allah. It is useless to hit our head with rock. Nothing will change. I hope peace return to every corner of the world.
2009-11-11
PATRICK JONES FROM USA said:
Biblical Christianity will continue to be evangelised to Muslims and into Muslims lands. Get use to that.

PS I am a Biblical Christian before anything else. It just so happens I was born in the USA will not change who I am. Offended by the term Biblical Christian? Good.
2009-11-11
SOFIA FROM USA said:
You are 100% correct!
If anybody out there does not get this, they need to get their head examined -- by a psychiatrist!
2009-11-11
ABDUL J FROM UNITED SNAKES said:
Salaam, first of all, why would I want to be part of something that doesn't want me. Then why would you want to be part of something that is responsible for the oppression, the murdering of the citizens, and the massive destruction of cultures, in many countries in the world. a country the has and continues to murder and discriminate against it's own citizens. Just ask the so-called african-american,who still doesn't get a fair shake. America might have a Black president, but it hasn't changed the way Black people are treated. So, take a lesson from others or repeat what they have done. The choice is yours. Peace!
2009-11-11