I received this kind email from a Muslim reader of Jihad Watch recently, and he has just given me permission to publish it on this site. We get so much hate mail in our Jihad Watch mail bags that it is refreshing and humbling to receive a message like this one.
Dear Mr. Spencer,
I have been reading your articles for quite some time.
I wanted to send you a private note, to let you know that I have come to have an extremely high regard for you, and the work that you do. I struggle to find anyone who can claim the same level of intellectual
honesty.As one who is always searching for truth, your articles have begun to change my views on religion and politics.
I was raised a British Muslim. I held all of the stereotypical anti-western and anti-Israel views that I am sure you are familiar with.
However, after working and living in the US for some years, I have come to realize that all that I was told about Americans, were largely untrue. They are the kindest and most generous people I know.
I began to study the history of the founding fathers, and the great tradition of Liberty, on which America was founded. It was a revelation for me. I only wish that our Muslims knew more of the great contribution to civilization that was made by Jefferson, Washington, Adams and many others.
Whenever I return to my native England, I consider myself a humble ambassador of sorts. I tell my fellow Muslims that I have seen no people more friendly to peaceful Muslims, than Americans.
We might not have the same political views. I am against the Iraq war. I’d prefer to live in a Republic, as opposed to a Democracy. But through writings like yours, I find myself evermore informed and hence my own views constantly evolving. I see now that there is no room for today’s Islam in any form of government, that Muslims complain far too much about being victims, and that we Muslims have a far greater responsibility to deal with the problems internal to our religion and culture.
I hope that you will continue to write, in the same manner that your many readers have come to admire. I hope that you will accept my humble thanks for all of the hard work you have put into informing readers, like me.