[CFrance]

Originally Posted by redwitch

They're certainly carrying a very large umbrella -- conspiracy advocates; freedom for privacy groups; Muslims. A lot of groups with very different agendas. And then there's the simple fact that not much interest has been shown (1,000 saying they'll attend to date).

As to mainstreaming Muslim culture/religion in the U.S., I was always under the impression that it was as much a part of the mainstream as any other minority religion -- actually, more than a lot of them. We aren't in shock when we see a woman in a headscarf or even in a burka; we know the call to prayer and don't look around in shock when it is heard in our cities. As a religion, it is very accepted here; at least it is the areas I've lived in and visited. What is not, and should not be, accepted is a condoning of violence and jihads. Racism is wrong whether done by those in power or those in a minority.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Well said.

I double that: Extremely well said. You really have your pulse on things, redwitch.