Veterans Day service builds bridges

Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
11/11/2009
The Daily Bulletin

CLAREMONT - The haunting melody of taps echoed through the chapel as Asif Balbale, a Muslim chaplain-candidate in the Navy, recited the names of those who lost their lives in the Fort Hood attack last week.

"Lord, in these tough times, unite us as a nation," Balbale said during the closing prayer...

After the attack, as Muslims across the country condemned the violence, they were also shocked and worried about the backlash.

"This is one of those moments where we have to sit and pray that most Americans will come out stronger, more united, and more tolerant," said Hussam Ayloush, director of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations in Southern California, adding that Muslim organizations have received dozens of death threats and hate e-mails.

But while Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned against allowing "anti-Muslim sentiment" to emanate from the Fort Hood attack, on Monday, during his television program, "The 700 Club," Pat Robertson claimed Islam is not a religion but a violent political system.

Such "simplifications that grow from our deepest suspicions and prejudices" did not sit well with Jerry Campbell, president of the School of Theology...