Regarding H. Hashimi's letter published July 20 ("Cartoon offended on many levels") in which he objected to the use of the word "Islamic" in association with terrorists, extremists, fundamentalists, etc.:
With all due respect to the Islamic religion, it seems to me that these terms fit very well people who trot the world killing innocent people in the name of Islam and "holy war."
The writer complained that such terms caused ill will and backlash against peace-loving Muslims. I certainly condemn any reprisals against innocent Muslims, but I believe those kinds of things could be drastically reduced if the Muslim world would take a more active role in combating these people it claims do not properly represent Islam.
Most of what we get from worldwide Muslim religious leaders concerning terrorists' activities is silence. Occasionally they smile, and very rarely we may have an isolated cleric give a tongue-in-cheek condemnation.
If the Islamic world wishes to be held in higher regard, it must aggressively treat the cancer within its body.
W. Jenkins
Martinez
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