Let's hope they do decide to air the PSA here in Tampa. I wonder how many cities will actually be airing it though. I'm sure it's not many.
The idea that Muslims are not doing enough is absolutely ludicrous. When Miss Walters decides to get up and protest against the terrorism being carried out everyday in other nations, then I may just decide to follow her lead. Until then, it's rather pointless to be making such ignorant comments.
http://tampatribune.com/FloridaMetro/MGBKGXPA7BE.htmlMuslim Group Speaks Out Against Terror
BY CHRIS ECHEGARAY
cechegaray@tampatrib.comPublished: Jul 16, 2005
TAMPA - A national Muslim organization is offering a 30- second public service announcement to TV stations, an effort to denounce terrorism after the July 7 attacks in London.
With local network affiliates hedging on whether they will air the spot, Bay area viewers may not see it.
Ahmed Bedier, spokesman for Central Florida's Council on American-Islamic Relations, distributed the video to local stations Friday at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area's mosque.
In the video, American Muslims - a man and two women - talk about terrorists, each speaking a few words:
``We reject anyone - of any faith - who commits such brutal acts and will not allow our faith to be hijacked by criminals. Islam is not about hatred and violence. It's about peace and justice.''
Bedier said the message would go a long way toward helping people understand the Bay area's Muslim community, estimated at 30,000.
The spot's release quickly became a topic on MSNBC and other network news reports, but national network representatives have not committed to airing it free as a PSA, said Ibrahim Hooper, a CAIR spokesman in Washington.
In Tampa, Bob Linger, vice president and general manager of FOX affiliate WTVT, Channel 13, said his station is reviewing the tape and deciding whether to run it.
Brad Moses, News Channel 8's director of marketing, said he looks at community interest and benefits before running a public service announcement on the NBC affiliate. He had not made a decision.
``In Chicago and in Michigan where there's a large Muslim community, the PSA would be aired,'' he said.
News Channel 8 and The Tampa Tribune both are owned by Media General Inc.
Shortly after the July 8 London subway and bus suicide bombings, which killed 54 people and injured hundreds more, CAIR's national office decided to produce the public service announcement.
Representatives said they wanted the nation to know where they stand. American Muslims say their religion has been hijacked and distorted by extremists, and they are aware of the widespread criticism of Muslims for their inaction after attacks.
``This is one way, a concrete way, to demonstrate our rejection of terrorism,'' Hooper said. ``The decision was made immediately after the attacks. We were casting about to answer this question: whether we have done enough to condemn terrorism.''
There is some sentiment that an ad is not enough.
Lola Walter, of Brandon, wrote a letter to the Tribune after the London attacks, questioning the lack of Muslims' outrage. She said Friday that swift grass-roots action from the international Muslim community would resonate more than a TV spot.
``Arabs, Muslims worldwide should take to the streets and condemn the jihadists, the extremists,'' Walter said. ``We have a right to see that. I don't think a simple declaration of disapproval is a strong enough position.''
Reporter Chris Echegaray can be reached at (813) 259-7920.
