1) US Muslims are by far the most liberal Muslims in the entire world. 2) They have very high per capita rates of terrorism compared to non-Muslims (despite being far more liberal than their pathetic counterparts in Europe/Middle East/Africa/Asia).
I'm fortunate to work with a Pakistani Muslim who is among the finest gentlemen I've ever met, which is saying a lot. Through our connection, I've been able to work with the Muslim American Bar Association, which is a group of fine people. They are Muslim and can be a bit sensitive about perceived slights (as can we all), but they're really upscale lawyers who want good lives for their kids and worry about preschool admissions as much as anyone else. Not in the least radical. I have met in my life some radicalized Muslims and am convinced that they don't represent the majority. As my boss puts it, if the dumbass had actually blown up Times Square last year, his own baby (my boss's) would have been born without a father and he isn't in the least amused by that. He does acknowledge that there's a pull to make common cause with other Muslims and that cutting them off can be a hard thing. I told my boss that, rather than be bothered by the King hearings, he should have attended to show people who don't know Muslims like him what an ordinary Muslim looks and lives like, rather than allow the freaks to be the public face of the Muslim community.
I live near Dearborn- which has the largest Muslim or Arab population outside of the Middle East (for a city of ~100,000 people), IIRC. My high school was at least 15% Muslim. I work in an ELL school with mostly Muslim children and have pretty regular contact with their parents. I have NEVER met a Muslim who is as radical as those in the Middle East- or anything close to radical. Most of them are HERE because they hate what is going on over there.
Oh and I'm glad we have to even take a poll of whether or not it would be OK to have any place of worship in our community. /sarcasm
However, it does give me hope that the favorable view of Muslims is rising in this country. It damn well should be. The vast majority, like those of all religions, are moderates who despise what is going on with the extreme fringes of their religion.
Unfortunately, I have not witnesses American Muslims who were any better than middle eastern Muslims. It is a horrible religion that treats women like property.
American Muslims, just like American Catholics, American Jews, American Atheists, American Hindus, American Protestants, etc. are of course inherently superior to their scruffier fellows elsewhere.
