Why’s everybody always picking on them?

malik99 #112, {"By any measure, US evangelists are more extremists than any extremists from any religion of the world today. ... But at the end of the day, it mostly boils down to economics. Had there been oil in hindu India, had part of the hindu land been carved out to make an state populated by european jews, and had hindus shown an assertiveness to take their natural wealth in their own hands rather than be exploited by international powers, we would today be talking about the ills of hinduism and its resultant threats to humanity. "}

Malik Sahib,
You are right in pointing out that other religions have their own infestations of religious extremists. On numerous occasions, I have expressed my disgust at the US televangelists (Graham, Robinson, Falwell, Swaggart, and all the others). I have also spoken out against the BJP/RSS/VHP/SP/BD/JS/ maniacs, and the Uzi-toting right-wing Israeli settlers. I even resent the annoying Jehovah’s Witnesses and the bicycle-riding Mormons of the Latter Day Saints, especially their extremists elements that have hijacked our own tradition of polygamy and even enhanced it with many more than four at a time.

Because the title of this article is about Islam and because I am identified as a Muslim, I choose to focus on the extremism prevalent among many Muslims. Contrary to your theory, oil is not the main reason why we are so maliciously portrayed in the world. The actions of a loud, violent, committed, and brainwashed, powerful minority are the reasons for our collective suffering as Muslims. Then, in their own definition of wisdom, these murderers have found it fit to take on the rest of humanity - in our name. Never mind the daily chores of driving, working, mowing the lawn, cooking dinner, and cleaning the house, now Muslims have to worry about what buildings are being blown up in their name. They are constantly afraid of bad news on TV - any bombings, kidnappings, beheadings, threats, subway crashes, poison alerts, and stupid videotapes and audio cassettes are enough to put innocent Muslims on the defensive, in the cage, and on trial. Maybe you relish life in the fast lane, but many Muslims in the west are fed up with this daily dose of bravado from the cowardly terrorists. Yes, when 90% of terrorism is committed by a few murderers, speaking and killing for only 20% of humanity, the latter get an unwelcome spotlight of suspicion, anger, and collective blame. I just hope they go away. Sir, be careful. If this continues, millions of moderate Muslims will simply stop calling themselves Muslims. As it is, many have selected to westernize their obviously Arabic names that can betray them. Keep it up and the momins will be gone.