Silent No More: Confronting America’s False Images of Islam

national | miscellaneous | news report Saturday May 25, 2002 11:24 by PAUL FINDLEY Member of Congress 20th District

In his recently released book Silent No More: Confronting America’s False Images of Islam, Paul Findley, a 22-year veteran of Congress, chronicles his long, far-flung trail of discovery through the World Of Islam: the false stereotypes that linger in the minds of the American people, the corrective actions that the leaders of America’s seven million Muslims are undertaking, and the community’s remarkable progress in mainstream politics.

In his recently released book Silent No More: Confronting America’s False Images of Islam, Paul Findley, a 22-year veteran of Congress, chronicles his long, far-flung trail of discovery through the World Of Islam: the false stereotypes that linger in the minds of the American people, the corrective actions that the leaders of America’s seven million Muslims are undertaking, and the community’s remarkable progress in mainstream politics.

It is an indispensable source for Muslims and for anyone who speaks, writes, or worries about human rights, interfaith harmony and global cooperation. With precise citations, Findley, a Christian, debunks in his narration, the stereotypes of Islam. The author of four other books, two of them on the Arab-Israeli conflict, Findley draws on his decade-long experience as the senior Republican on the House of Representatives subcommittee on the Middle East, his personal knowledge of the region and its leaders, as well as his nationwide acquaintance with U.S. Muslims.

He writes: “Most Americans have never read a verse from the Qur’an, nor met a person they knew to be Muslim. Their distorted images of Islam come from snippets of television news and headlines that falsely link Islam with terrorism and the degradation of women. They have no awareness of Islamic principles and beliefs—monotheism, peace, charity, compassion, interfaith tolerance, women’s rights—common principles that should bind Muslims, Christians, and Jews together.” The book is published by Amana Publications and is available from the publisher or the main bookstores such as Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles and Borders.

Quotes from Silent No More: The partisan arena: “After being quietly on the sidelines for years, [Muslims] are gaining prominence in government and demonstrating skill in politics. They are getting elected to public office, helping other candidates win, providing leadership in political party and government policy activities, and establishing a presence in the judicial branch of government.” [See page 221]

Bloc voting success: In November 7, 2000 presidential voting, “Muslims were the main new political element in Florida, whose twenty-five electoral votes finally settled the outcome of one of the most protracted presidential contests in history…. Bush benefited substantially from Muslim bloc voting. Florida Muslims provided him with a net margin that exceeded 60,000 votes, sixty times his winning margin.” [See pages 268-269]

“Muslim bloc voting brought about a major alteration of the American political landscape…. During the year, over seven hundred Muslims sought election as candidates…. One hundred and fifty-two were victorious…. In major political campaigns of the future, every serious contender for a major office will seek an interview with Muslim leaders. As Albert Gore lists errors in his presidential campaign, his failure to reschedule his cancelled date with [national Muslim] leaders may head the list.” [See pages 271-272]

“The Muslims who are engaged in organizational and public policy activities have made impressive strides in interfaith understanding, but they constitute only a small fraction of Islam’s community in America.” [See page 218] Findley’s advice to Muslims: “They must defend their faith aggressively and publicly against misconceptions and misrepresentations, especially those expressed by professed Muslims. Muslims should identify themselves publicly with Islam and seek ways to present the truth about their faith to non-Muslims…. Muslims can display their religious affiliation modestly but effectively by wearing a lapel pin, necklace, or ring that displays the word Allah, star-and-crescent, or some other visible linkage with Islam. [As a result of this display] their own good behavior and worthy accomplishments will be identified with Islam.