Columnist's argument stands up to criticism

I remain troubled by how out of touch with reality members of the academic far left are about the Muslim world. Andrew Gerst's Aug. 30 column "Where are the Moderate Muslims" has set off angry, self-righteous tirades without what I like to call "facts."

Gerst called for Muslim condemnation of terrorism. Why is this so unreasonable? A religion that supposedly is one of peace should have no problem denouncing the intentional murder of women and children. Anti-gay preacher Fred Phelps has been condemned by mainstream Christianity. Rabbi Cohen has been condemned by mainstream Judaism. Why do leftists get so upset when condemnation of terrorists by mainstream Islam is brought up?

Omid Safi, in his article "Silence of the Muslims," says that Gerst equates being a moderate Muslim with accepting "atrocities of the Israeli regime." Safi refers to defensive actions taken by the only democratic state in the region, the only place where women and minorities have rights, as "atrocities" committed by a "regime."

• Gerst: Where are the moderate Muslims?

• Safi: Silence of the Muslims

• Lawrence: Column suggests binary worldview

In the oppressive country of Israel, non-Jews do not have lessened rights, as Safi claims. They can vote, and there are even two Arab Muslim political parties in the Israeli parliament. Arab Muslims are also business and social leaders in Israel.