Objectivist Center Holds DC Forum on 'Islam in America and American Values: Are They Compatible?'

On November 13, 2003 the Objectivist Center held a policy forum in Washington D.C., on “Islam in America and American Values: Are They Compatible?” Moderator Edward Hudgins, TOC’s DC director, observed that immigrants come to America from countries with many different cultures and religions and that most in the end adopt the value of toleration and contribute to this pluralistic society as they pursue their own prosperity. But Muslim immigrants and those from Middle East countries are under suspicion because the political disease of radical Islam originates from that region and spreads terror in the name of that religion.

David Kelley, TOC’s executive director, observed that America comes from the Enlightenment culture that values reason, individualism, human achievement and freedom. Separation of church and state means that government does not take sides in religious matters and that every individual is free to practice the religion of his choice or not practice at all. But toleration doesn’t mean acceptance. Every creed and idea is subject to discussion, examination and even ridicule in the marketplace of ideas. This open culture explains why the children and grandchildren of immigrants often change their religion and intermarry with individual from other groups. He also noted the clear moral distinction between sympathy by immigrants for the plight of ethnic or religious kin overseas and support for terrorist groups like al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah.

Imad ad Dean Ahmad of the Minaret for Freedom Institute maintained that Islam supports free exchange, private property and tolerance. He also regretted that in past centuries Islam has substituted learning by rote for critical thinking and he called for a return to the tradition of reason. Stephen Schwartz, author of “Two Faces of Islam,” regretted the influence of the radical Wahhabi Muslims, backed by Saudi Arabia, in the American community. Khaled Saffuri noted the diversity of the Arab and Islamic community in America — only 15% of Arab-Americans are Muslims. He acknowledged legitimate security concerns about some immigrants while warning of civil liberty abuses.

During the question period Kelley pointed out that freedom cannot be defended based on interpretations of millennia-old religious texts but only on the basis of reason.

This forum is another example of the Objectivist Center taking the initiative, raising critical questions about public policy and culture, and openly debating these questions as a means to promote the principles of an Enlightenment society.

For further information, contact Edward Hudgins at 202-296-7263 or David Kelley at 1-800-374-1776.

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