I am writing to express my agreement with the DFP’s position concerning the publication of satirical cartoons in a Danish newspaper, an event which has subsequently upset the Muslim world. It is indeed an issue of principle; one of free speech and free press, and the West should stand firm on its foundations.

However, the DFP’s editors say that the recent reactions of Muslims are not representative of the civilization as a whole, and that the Danish paper was attempting to portray “the new face of Islam,” terrorists.

That may hold some truth, but a growing and harrowing trend has appeared throughout the entire Islamic world: Radicalization in all dimensions.

The extreme, violent and unjustifiable reactions to the cartoon in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries only further prove this theory. Other examples include the recent Palestinian elections, where the hard-line group Hamas came into power, the Iranian president’s calls for the destruction of Israel, terrorism in London, Madrid and America, violent riots in France, and schoolhouse massacres in Chechnya by Islamic rebels. All this shows that a once peaceful religion has fallen to the minority voices of extremists.

Even many of the clerics and religious leaders have bent away from compromise and towards the side of radical Islam; calling for the destruction of the West and Israel, or, at the very least, the removal of western influence from their culture.

There is something exceptionally ominous and egregious when a group reacts to a political cartoon in such a bloody fashion. While Islamic and Western culture clashes, there has never been such rampant destruction on the side of the latter in reaction to a political statement or personal viewpoint. We all have our biases and, unfortunately, even our hatreds, but I am frightened and saddened when those ignominious opinions become tangible and deadly realities.

If Islam wants to be known as the religion of peace, then it must take a hard look at itself, stop blaming the rest of the world and make some internal corrections. If this radical movement continues, it could lead to a catastrophe that will shake the world for centuries. A million deaths hardly seem worth it for a cartoon.

Neil St. Clair [email protected] 732-319-6074 COM ’07

** I apologize for the length, please feel free to edit if necessary.**