Britain's Muslims Take Tough Line on Militants [UK Muslim elected to Parliment takes a hard line]

The NY Times ^ | Aug 11, 2005 | HASSAN M. FATTAH

[summer]

Wow. I had no idea a person such as this even existed in England: a British born Muslim elected to Parliment, and taking a very hard stance against the extremists/terrorists.

[summer]

Have you ever heard of this guy?

[Archon of the East]

I hear him talking but is anyone really listening?

[summer]

Well, it's certainly a start. At least he sounds like he has a clue, which is more than what happens with some politicos. Remember Spain?

[George W. Bush]

I'm just wondering why American Muslims haven't done more to expel the radical elements.

Looks like the Brits are serious and the Muslims don't want their radicals spoiling a good thing for them.

I think we in the colonies could use a little of that too.

[Archon of the East]

I hope so, but I will let actions speak for themselves to see if the Islam will come forth. But your right all things must have a beginning.

[varyouga]

If I was him, I'd watch my back. He's considered worse than an "infidel" to these animals.

[sionnsar]

I'm just wondering why American Muslims haven't done more to expel the radical elements.

The reaction here hasn't been as harsh. Let them pull a London Underground-style event here and I'll bet you'll see a difference.

[McGavin999]

The reason "we in the colonies" have a bit of a problem is because of that whole first amendment thingy. Even the Brits have been talking about how much easier they have it than the US because the US is constrained by the constitution. The only way we over-ride that is either get rid of the first amendment, or declare martial law and that would only happen if we get hit again.

[hardworking]

OK, so what does this guy's wife look like? Is she covered head to toe in some blanket? What about his kids? Where do they go to school and if he has a daughter does she wear a headscarf? I would like to know just how 'assimilated' he is in reality before I climb on board his band wagon.

[GladesGuru]

As one apt tag line suggests by implication, have a recreational, non-commercial season for the hunting of Whabbats. Just be vewy, vewy quiet while hunting Whabbats. ;-)

[Iscool]

2 million muzlims in Britain and 1 speaks out...Hey, ya gotta start somewhere...But then again, bin Laden at one time denied having anything to do with 9/11...

[kalee]

Isn't that an interesting caption for the picture that accompanies this article?
Somehow, I don't think those white haired grandmas are moslem,
I wonder what he was telling them?

[Pikamax]

I think he also spoke out last year but was dismissed as a Muslim Uncle Tom.

[summer]

Yeah, I had the same thought about that photo and caption!

[Tench_Coxe]

"Wow. I had no idea a person such as this even existed in England: a British born Muslim elected to Parliment, and taking a very hard stance against the extremists/terrorists."

I think this has more to do with the anger in the rest of the population and the steps the British government appears to be taking, rather than an act of conscience.

[summer]

Yes, but this one is urging the UK to deport certain Muslim "leaders."

[summer]

I don't know. Maybe he really believes these extremists/terrorists are harmful to everyone.

[AmishDude]

"The extremism in our community is now our problem."

Of all of the thousands of things Muslims have said since 9/11, this is the first time I have heard this.

[summer]

Same here.