And I feel the same way about this condemnation as I do about MPAC‘s: words are cheap, let’s see some action. “Muslim Group Speaks Out Against Terror,” from the Tampa Tribune, with thanks to Sr. Soph:
TAMPA – A national Muslim organization is offering a 30- second public service announcement to TV stations, an effort to denounce terrorism after the July 7 attacks in London.
With local network affiliates hedging on whether they will air the spot, Bay area viewers may not see it.Ahmed Bedier, spokesman for Central Florida’s Council on American-Islamic Relations, distributed the video to local stations Friday at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area’s mosque.
In the video, American Muslims – a man and two women – talk about terrorists, each speaking a few words:
“We reject anyone – of any faith – who commits such brutal acts and will not allow our faith to be hijacked by criminals. Islam is not about hatred and violence. It’s about peace and justice.”
Bedier said the message would go a long way toward helping people understand the Bay area’s Muslim community, estimated at 30,000.
The spot’s release quickly became a topic on MSNBC and other network news reports, but national network representatives have not committed to airing it free as a PSA, said Ibrahim Hooper, a CAIR spokesman in Washington….
“This is one way, a concrete way, to demonstrate our rejection of terrorism,” Hooper said. “The decision was made immediately after the attacks. We were casting about to answer this question: whether we have done enough to condemn terrorism.”
There is some sentiment that an ad is not enough.
Lola Walter, of Brandon, wrote a letter to the Tribune after the London attacks, questioning the lack of Muslims’ outrage. She said Friday that swift grass-roots action from the international Muslim community would resonate more than a TV spot.
“Arabs, Muslims worldwide should take to the streets and condemn the jihadists, the extremists,” Walter said. “We have a right to see that. I don’t think a simple declaration of disapproval is a strong enough position.”