Bush Marks End of Ramadan, Visits Mosque (Islam brings hope and comfort)

ap ^ | 12/5/2002 | SCOTT LINDLAW

[TLBSHOW]

By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - With Muslims worldwide growing more suspicious of the United States, President Bush (news - web sites) marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with a visit Thursday to a mosque.

"The spirit behind this holiday is a reminder that Islam brings hope and comfort to more than 1 billion people worldwide," Bush said. "Islam affirms God's justice and insists on man's moral responsibility."

Bush left his shoes at the door, in keeping with the practice of the Islamic Center of Washington, a national center for Muslim culture and prayer. He also had visited six days after the terrorist attacks last year.

Back then, with a surge in hate crimes against Muslims in the United States, Bush was trying to defuse Americans' anger against Islam. Today, he has a different problem — increased hostility by Muslims around the world against America.

In an international survey released Wednesday, the Pew Global Attitudes Project found the image of the United States is slipping worldwide, and particularly in Middle Eastern countries with large Muslim populations. Large percentages of Muslim respondents in several countries said they believe suicide bomb attacks are a justifiable defense of Islam.

On Wednesday, Bush blamed America's tarnished image among Muslims on "propaganda machines (that) are cranked up in the international community that paints our country in a bad light."

The growing animosity comes at a time when Bush is trying to rally the world against terrorism and gather allies for possible military action against Iraq.

Inside the ornate mosque, Bush offered an explanation of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and renewed his defense of Islam.

Bush's speech was directed to a national and international audience. There was virtually no one inside except journalists and his staff. A few mosque officials stood next to Bush as he spoke.

"Over the past month, Muslims have fasted, taking no food or water during daylight hours, in order to refocus their minds on faith and redirect their hearts to charity," Bush said.

"Muslims worldwide have stretched out a hand of mercy to those in need, charity tables at which the poor can break their fast line the streets of cities and towns, and gifts of food and clothing and money are distributed to ensure that all share in God's abundance," he said.

From the Muslim event, Bush officially opened the Christmas season at the White House by lighting a Christmas tree just outside the gates.

[DAnconia55]

The spirit behind this holiday is a reminder that Islam brings hope and comfort to more than 1 billion people worldwide,....most of whom are terrorists."

[Miss Marple]

Jordan and Turkey, to name two. Both countries also have minorities of other faiths.

The suspicion of Muslims (which is understandable given the last year and a half) is perilously close to descending into religious bigotry.

While I think Muslims are wrong in their faith, as an American who believes in the Constitution I think everyone who is agitated about Islam should perhaps try to re-think his/her attitude in light of the Constitution and , if applicable, Christian teachings. People should also understand the practical difficulties of declaring a war on a faith that has one billion people as adherents.

[Michael2001]

I wonder if Klan members had flown planes into the WTC and Pentagon and killed 3,000 Americans if Bush would be feasting with them

[Torie]

This is the wrong forum for suggesting reticence about pugilism, in almost any context. Cheers.

[DAnconia55]

I think I will agree with the panel.

You just buy a parrot, teach it to type "Bush is always right", and save yourself a lot of free time.

[EternalVigilance]

An associated story that was posted earlier today:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/801262/posts

[FreeReign]

TLBSHOW -- PIPES: It is not particularly in our interest to have them all be our enemy, but they are our enemy whether we-whether you recognize it or not. They're our enemy.

dubyaismypresident -- Diplomacy is saying "nice doggy" while looking for a bigger stick.

[Torie]

Is that the best that you can do?

[Darling Lili]

Give me a few examples of American terrorist Islamists.

Here are a few more.

[NeoCaveman]

Thanks for quoting me. I borrowed the quote, myself.

[TLBSHOW]

MIAMI –– A small plane crashed into the Federal Reserve Bank Building and one body was recovered from the wreckage Thursday night, the branch manager said.

About 90 people were evacuted from the one-story building, and no one inside was injured.

The aircraft slammed into the northeast side of the bank about 8:45 p.m., exploded and burst into flames.

"When we first came out of and walked around the side, it was really hard to determine that it was a plane," said vice president and branch manager Jay Curry, who was in the building for a board of directors meeting.

The building also houses the Miami bureau of The Associated Press.

ap

[F16Fighter]

"And of course in your judgement the best way to reorganize the Muslim world is to start a holy war with all half a billion Muslims just because some or most don't call you friend."

Take a deeeep breath. Now turn back the clock to 9/11 and assess what's happened since...

Wouldn't you rather spin your equation with a sense of actual history?

[RnMomof7]

"Islam affirms God's justice and insists on man's moral responsibility."

I am impressed seeing he never mentioned the name of the ONE true God or Jesus Christ once out loud in public last Christmas season..the moon god is worthy I guess

[FreeReign]

You just buy a parrot, teach it to type "Bush is always right", and save yourself a lot of free time.

You -- Danconia55 -- just buy a parrot, teach it to type "Bush is always right wrong", and save yourself a lot of free time.

[CreekerFreeper]

I suggest we light a few candles for Islam...nuclear candles sent straight to Mecca and Medina; then, send Seal Team 6 to Jerusalem to reclaim the Temple Mount, level the mosque and plant a crucifix.

ALL Moslems are of the same mindset--Christianity is evil; the West is evil and must either be converted or destoryed. Think about that the next time a Moslem doctor treats you.

[Captainpaintball]

Bush should get out of the business of trying to act as America's 'First Theologian.'

Classic line. 100% true. I will go on record saying that he knows little about his own religion...what can he possibly know about Islam, other than what the Saudi Royals tell him?

[Texasforever]

And the murderers of 9/11 just happened to be Muslims too. And their actions were motivated by their religion, or so they claimed.

Let's put that to a test. If a "Christian" group is motivated by their religion starts shooting abortion doctors and bombing abortion clinics should all Christians be hunted down and killed?

[Hank Kerchief]

The majority of them may have opinions you dislike, as perhaps a majority of adherents of certain other religions may have.

What I "like" or dislike has nothing to do with the truth. That the Muslim ideology teaching that music, art, sculpture, dance, pet dogs, and a woman's liberty are all evil has nothing to do with what I like, it is pure evil. Why would you support or defend anything which opposes objective reason?

Do you hate music? Do you hate the creative arts? Do you believe women ought to be repressed? Do you believe everyone who has a pet dog is evil?

It is true, American Muslims are not strapping explosives to their bodies, yet, but neither were they blowing up nightclubs in Bali, not so long ago. Give them time, and a little more encouragement, and they will surprise you, but not me.

Naiveté is not a virtue.

Hank

[Keyes For President]

No. Pat Robertson said that GW shouldn't be the "First Theologian."

Nor should he be. He's not qualified, for one.

But why does he insist on promoting the religion of Islam but won't witness to the Truth which he claims to believe? He does claim to be Christian, after all. He doesn't seem to hesitate attending Islamic events and preaching the "vitrues" of Islam. As a Christian, he should be a witness for Christ, not Mohammed.

[Torie]

I think Arabs dislike only polyphonic music. They certainly have music. Muslims elsewhere seem to like music in general. I have seen Muslims dance, including belly dancers. Perhaps you have missed it. It is amazing how many experts there are on Islam in this forum.