How many of the 90 attendees renounce Islamic supremacism — the proposition that “Islam must dominate, and not be dominated” — in principle? How many renounce in principle the proposition that it would be a good thing ultimately to replace the U.S. Constitution with Sharia? No one knows, of course, because no one dares to ask. The idea that the terrorist agenda could be advanced by non-lethal means, and that some may be pursuing this right now, is not on anyone’s radar screen.
Of course, it may be that the ninety participants all cheerfully accept American pluralism and are ready to teach their fellow Muslims that they must live as equals with unbelievers — on a permanent, not a temporary basis. But no one really knows, because most don’t know to ask (after all, Islam is a Religion of Peace), and those who do know to ask don’t dare.
“Bush: Terrorists don’t represent Islam,” from AP (thanks to Ruth King):
The United States has a proud history of standing with Muslims and “mainstream citizens across the broader Middle East,” President George W. Bush said during a dinner to mark the end of the daily fast during Ramadan.
President George W. Bush speaks during the iftar Dinner with ambassadors and Muslim Leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House, Thursday.
Speaking to about 90 attendees Thursday during the White House’s annual iftar dinner marking the occasion, Bush said the United States has supported Muslims seeking liberty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon and has stood with Muslims across the world facing hardship. He said violent extremists do not represent Islam.
“They believe that by spreading chaos and violence they can frustrate the desire of Muslims to live in freedom and peace. We say to them, you don’t represent Muslims, you do not represent Islam – and you will not succeed,” Bush told the attendees, who included Muslim leaders and ambassadors, as well as first lady Laura Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Vice President Dick Cheney and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
This is the seventh year Bush has hosted an itfar dinner, this year inviting American Muslim women who have made contributions in fields such as science, education, civil society and the arts and culture, according to the White House.
Lt. Cmdr. Abuhena Saifulislam, the second Muslim chaplain commissioned in the Navy, gave the blessing for dinner. The guests dined in the White House’s State Dining Room.
“Let us celebrate the millions of Muslims that we are proud to call American citizens,” Bush told guests. “And let us honor the many Muslim nations that America is proud to call friends.”