6/11 Letters: Attackers in London Bridge incident ‘do not represent Islam’

Regarding “Multiple casualties reported in incident on London Bridge” (June 4): As an Ahmadi Muslim, I am extremely saddened and angered by the news of the attacks in London. It is ironic that these extremists have conducted such violence during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting where Muslims across the globe immerse themselves in self-discipline and social welfare.

In fact, Islam rests on the principles of peace and tolerance, a sharp contrast to the actions of these militant groups. They do not represent Islam. They do not represent the global Muslim community, who are the first to condemn and apologize for their actions.

I urge all readers not to let their perceptions of Islam and their Muslim neighbors and countrymen to be stained by the actions of a few. I send my sincerest condolences and prayers to the victims of this attack.

‘Barbaric cowards’

I just read “Multiple casualties reported in incident on London Bridge” (June 4) about the latest murder of innocent civilians on the London Bridge. These, and the previous murderers of defenseless people in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia and the United States, are actions of wanton killers and enslavers who are without moral integrity or humanity.

While their group may have a name, they are all the same – barbaric cowards. People should not dignify their group by any other identifier other than “barbaric cowards,” since using their names would give the groups the impression of unity and purpose. This is not the case. They are a mob who wants to control others by intimidation for their own gluttony. There is no credible religion or national movement that has this as its premise, so why is there any need to identify them as any more than barbaric cowards?

Put America first

“The Dark Side of America First” (June 4) goes back to the 1930s to make a rather weak case. President Donald Trump ran on his campaign on a philosophy of America First. He won on that basis. America First encompasses many things, including the immigration policy, trade policy, defense posture and alliances. America is not Europe, so why pretend that it is?

The article even says that NATO “sheltered European prosperity for decades.” He might as well have said, “America has sheltered European prosperity for decades.” Why not some of that prosperity for America?

That’s what America First is all about, putting American interests first and not subjugating them to those of Europe. It pays to let American allies know that America is not to be taken completely for granted. President Trump wants NATO allies to know that he is keeping check on them. That’s a good idea.

This story was originally published June 10, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "6/11 Letters: Attackers in London Bridge incident ‘do not represent Islam’."