It's Time for Us to Reject Hatred

Kathleen Parker apologizes to the 'Muslim World'
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 11, 2010 10:48 AM CDT
It's Time for Us to Reject Hatred
Carla Bolta of New York, holds a candle during a peace rally in support of the proposed mosque near ground zero on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jin Lee)

Kathleen Parker pens a letter to the “Muslim World” in the Washington Post, calling herself “an American citizen who is deeply embarrassed by current events in my country.” When it comes to “so-called pastor” Terry Jones, “please ignore” him. “What we hope you understand is that most Americans were appalled by Jones's proposal, too,” she writes, and then apologizes, “as a member of the news media,” for handing Jones “a megaphone.”

She also addresses the controversial Islamic center project, explaining that though “our hearts were broken” by the 9/11 attacks, “we don't hold all Muslims responsible for what happened any more than all Christians should be held responsible for what Pastor Jones has been saying”—which is why she believes “Muslims have the same right to worship when and where they please, just as any other group in America.” She finishes by calling for an agreement “not to tolerate hatred—toward Muslims, Jews, Christians, atheists, or any others.”
(More Park51 stories.)

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