This author sounds sincere and knowledgeable about the Muslim world. He obviously, has first hand experience most of us have not and will not have.

Unfortunately, the primary first hand experience most Americans have had with Islam was the 9/11 terrorists attacks by Muslims. Obviously, had there just happened to be a few Muslims in the group of terrorists, there would be no basis on which to single out people of that faith as potential enemies. But, that was not the case. The terrorists were entirely Muslim, who identified their attack as Jihad, and who perpetrated terrorism in the name of Islam. While I don't condone bigotry toward Muslims, I think it's not terribly difficult to understand why many Americans are distrustful of the Muslim community.

We all are subject to the prejudices and ignorance of others. For example, I'm from the deep south, and am fully aware that most of the rest of the country sees us as racist, ignorant, hicks. We're portrayed as such on TV and other media of popular culture. And, it's true that many of us are probably guilty as charged. But, certainly not all of us.

I'm glad the author shared his experience and knowledge of the Muslim people. It increased my respect for them, as it would for any people so eloquently and positively described. I'm glad of that, and I hope that increasingly better relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Americans can develop.

It will call for some understanding and sensitivity on the parts of the Muslims, however. Whether right or wrong, the attacks of 9/11 have greatly impacted the way in which many Americans view Muslims. It's not going to be enough to just condemn the way people feel.

Initiating plans for the community center at Ground Zero did nothing to improve relations. Even when there was much negative response, the Imam determined that the building would be built on that spot, initially. Whether or not those in charge of this project believed this response to be justified or rational, the fact was, people felt that way. In the interest of furthering positive relations, it would have been wise to consider the feelings of those who objected - sooner rather than later.