Dear Editor:
I would like to address a few of the points made in two editorials published in your newspaper last week. In regards to the first, the title of which I would rather not repeat, I would like to agree with the writers’ opinion that the human right to “disseminate information” is sacred.
In a journalistic endeavor, however, the distinction should always be made between true information and false information. Although your statements were made in an opinion article, there is a difference between an informed opinion and a statement made without any foundation.
Firstly, Muhammad is not a “false god” for Muslims — neither is he a god for that matter. He is considered a beloved human being and a messenger of the same God as Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
Your paper tried to correct itself in its second editorial entitled “Rewrite.” Although you make the distinction between God (Allah) and Muhammad, you claim that all religious figures have been “invented and discarded in human history.” I won’t say too much on the subject, but there is a vibrant and diverse faith community of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Baha’is, Muslims and others in this community that would disagree with you.
The events that led to the death of Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, were a tragedy and not representative of all Muslims. Violence, no matter how angry you are, is not right in any religion. By killing an innocent man, the mob in Libya did more to offend the prophet Muhammad’s legacy than any silly film could.
At a time when a family is grieving and suspicion falls on Muslim-Americans half a world away from the events in Libya, why do you find it appropriate to mock faith?
I, as a Muslim, do not necessarily think it is a big deal when an ignorant person calls Muhammad a false god. The most offensive thing about the editorial was its inaccuracy. You have offended me less than you have offended your journalistic “god” of truth.
Jessica Valsi President, Muslim Student Association Vice President, Interfaith Youthcore of YSU
Cary Dabney President, Interfaith Youthcore of YSU Vice President, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Eta Chi Chapter
