1 – I think its important to recognize that all non-white “ethnic” groups are STILL struggling to truly become “American.” The examples of Japanese American, Indian American, or African American communities are not complete examples. These communities still struggle with preserving their cultures and identities while at the same time trying to figure out how to assimilate.

Secondly, what does it mean to be American? What does it mean to be assimilated? These terms need to be defined. If we look to someone like Clarence Thomas and Condeleeza Rice as examples of how African Americans have assimilated into American society, then we need to change our perspectives of what Assmiliaiton and American means as Muslims.

2 – I wonder a little about the assertions that are made early in the article – particularly stated about the above average income and educational status of Muslims in the United States. I strongly suggest that MAS and other organizations should take the lead on studying our communities. I know a few studies have been done (like the one by Pew), but I do not believe that they have a strong sample size (specifically geographically) and they do not seek to find out what our concerns as a community are. (for example. . . pew asked about suicide bombing).

I think that in the US, the fact of the matter is that organizations, especially those of national prominence, come out of wealthier Muslim communities. Not out of any spite, but out of simply having the perspective of what’s in our own communities, the organizations tend to develop the needs of the US Muslim community as a whole based on the needs of wealthier, more educated Muslims. Other, more poorer communities and their needs, are left out. The community I grew up in is probably one of the wealthiest and most active communities in the US. However, not far away, there are Muslim communities made up of working-class individuals who have concerns that our community has not even had to deal with. Therefore, any study done should deal with understanding different communities w/in our own.

- NA

I agree with much of it, but I am wondering what is the purpose of and audience for this type of statement?

Like many statements from Muslim leadership, even from Muslim leadership I greatly admire, in the past several years, it seems determined to rely on slogans and feel good talk and to either deliberately avoid the real difficult issues or pass over them without analysis or rigor.

Now, this may be entirely appropriate for political statements, many of which are directed more towards non-Muslims even than they are towards Muslims.

I, personally feel, however, that this poses a problem when we try to move beyond generalities to actual programs in that our broad and vague statements have not given us direction.

So, I am just wondering, is this an appropriate forum to examine some of the difficulties and/or questions I have with the intellectual analysis in this statement or would such criticisms be unhelpful or better taken up in some other forum?

Dont forget where we came from, our identity was forged on the streets nigazz. Its where we came from and what made us today