Sadly, the US have no laws against blunt racism. For all we know, if the old lady made a "black" racist remark, no one would have said anything at all. Heck, maybe most US citizens see "being racist against someone from the Arab world", as "not" being racist at all!

This is actually a bad example, since McCain was basically forced to say something in this situation, being amongst press and public.

The woman's comment was definitely inappropriate. No one should be judged solely based on their ethnicity, race, or religion. However, just as some people will not vote for Obama because they incorrectly think he is an Arab or a Muslim, many people refused to vote for Al Gore in the 2000 election because he selected a Jewish running mate (Joe Lieberman) as vice president. Gore even lost his home state of Tennessee in that election.

On the other hand, there seems to be no outrage in the media about using the term "Jew". The media constantly refers to Israel as "the Jewish State", even though the term "Jewish" is nowhere in the official name of the country. Iran on the otherhand is officially called the "Islamic Republic of Iran", yet hardly anyone in the media uses the term "Islamic" or "Muslim" to refer to Iran.

The media also constantly refers to "Jewish voters in Florida" as if their percentage in the state is larger than their current 3% and as if they will be the ones deciding the election. The media also groups all people into one group and calls them "Jews", even when many of the people included in the group don't even belong to this religious faith, or are members of other religions. A Jew can be any color and can come from any country. They could also be born as Christians or Muslims, but choose to convert. While after their conversion they will be Jewish in terms of religion, their race and ethnicity will always stay the same.

In fact, "Arabs" are actually made up of various religions including: Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, etc. Before they were expelled from Arab countries, the Jewish population living there spoke Arabic and had the same culture, foods, and customs as their Muslim and Christian brethren. The only difference was their religious affiliation. In fact, many Israeli Jews of Arab descent believe they have more in common with other Arabs than they do with Israeli Jews of European descent for example.

Although reluctantly and only on a few occassions, Obama has admitted himself that his biological father was Muslim as well as his step-father. He also attended Muslim schools for several years in Indonesia. Obama needs to be more open about his background, because he is applying for the job of president of the United States. His Muslim upbringing should not be used against him and if he was really courageous he should be proud of his Muslim upbringing and Muslim family members. By attempting to hide his background, he is in effect contributing to the fear that some voters have instead of standing up to fight against it. Just like anyone else, Obama has the right to change his religion and it is a fact that for the last 20 years at least, he has been a member of a Christian church.

Just as the Jewish community condemns the few extremists in its midst, the Muslim community should come together and publicly speak out against suicide bombings, hijackings, and other forms of terrorism. This may be difficult for Muslims living under the tyranny of dictators in the Middle East, but there is no excuse for Muslims in the United States and other Western democracies not to speak out against terrorism. While there have been some Muslims in the US that have publicly condemned terrorism, the majority unfortunately have remained silent.

Both this article, and the one by Ms. Brown show just how people in the West are poorly informed about muslims. So, let us be clear - there is no such a thing as a moderate muslim. If someone takes all of Islam's teachings, picks a few pieces here and there and ignores the rest, by definition, he is not a muslim. Yet, in order to be a moderate muslim, that is exactly what they have to do - ignore major and fundamental parts of Islam.
Given this fact, every muslim is both an extremist and a fundamentalist, and no, USA does NOT want such a person for a president, or for any other important position, in Government or otherwise.

I totally agree, here is France the muslim and arabic community is huge. Beeing Arabic is not easy everyday and some people even use the word 'arab' as an insult. However Sarkozy saying what MacCain said would make him look really stupid. Maybe american citizens (white, black and arabic) need a bit of culture, the real one, not the one from Fox News.

Regardless of the truth, fear may be a factor in Obama losing this election.

Being American, of Arab heritage..yes I too saw that, and was disturbed...However, one also has to analyze that incident from the old lady's spectrum.

Now lets get real. What does main-stream America understand about Arabs? or the Arab world?..other then it is synonymous with bad & evil. Main-stream Americans are constrained from Middle Eastern Positive news. (and no, I don't mean those of us who are sitting daily on our laptops reading about the world)...

American media -still- is playing the part of portraying the Arab image as "negative", including cnn.!! Had a taste of the "Glenn Beck show", a while way way back, (made a point of not watching him again, ever)....he is one of many examples of how a reporter's own distorted opinion about the Arab world, can, and does influence people's system of social beliefs. So back to the old lady from Pennsylvania...do you blame her?

Both parties are hardly playing it up. Obama has repeatedly spoke about the disrespect and how offensive it is to Muslims to imply that they are 'terrorists' but even in that event, people will just take that as 'he's being defensive because he is one,'

Americans...

Simply appaling!

I cannot believe the comment about there not being moderate Muslims! We have a large Muslim population in Belgium, and most of us cohabit happily. The Muslims I know are peace-loving, friendly, warm, decent human beings. Comments of this type are simply stupid and ignorant!

Barak Obama had two years of schooling in Indonesia. This school is a public school and not a 'muslim' school. Indonesia, even though predominently muslim population, is very tolerant of other religions. It's cultural roots are to Hinduism.

Until muslims allow people of all countries and all religions to live free from fear then arab is a slur they have earned

It was dirty to try to tie racism/bigotry to the Republican Party. It is not like Republicans have the market on it.

I have family voting in this election that are voting for Barack Obama because he is black. No one talks about that. They don't care about his policies. They don't care about his character.

All they care about is that this good looking Black guy is about to be president. Historical precident is about to take place. Obama is the choice of Jet magazine and Ophrah. Who cares if he is Hussein? Who cares if part of his schooling was done in a place where institutionally it is taught to hate America?

I saw no mention of the fact that the kind of Muslims Obama hangs out with are the MILITANT ones! The family that launched his career is on the FBI watch list.

Many people in this country on both sides of the aisle have Muslim friends. After 911 I know some people reassured their friends that were Muslim that they were still their friends. I know this because that is what we did.

Everyone deals with racism at some point in their life. People are people. If people are voting against him because of what he is, more people are voting for him because of what he is.

It is not a happy state of affairs for group members, generally, when some members of the group commit egregious acts, openly or implicitly in the group's name. The unhappiness tends to be compounded when members, generally, don't take continued, loud, and universal umbrage at the egregious actions of some--actions clearly beyond the pale. If condemnation (unrelenting, loud, clear, universal) had been forthcoming from members generally,
it seems likely that the onus would now be on the evil-doers and not with members generally.

To the comment that claims that "Until muslims allow people of all countries and all religions to live free from fear then arab is a slur they have earned" - people who have no world knowledge at all shouldn't comment on things. Read some books; maybe go for a vacation outside of the states; stop being so blatantly ignorant for the whole world's sake, please.

Regarding the poster talking about there being no anger about the recurring use of the term "Jew" in the media, the difference between the two is that terms like the Jewish State or Jewish voters are not used pejoratively. I, myself, am Jewish, but I don't think it is at all fair to equate the attitudes in the media or in wider society towards Muslims with the attitude towards Jews.

It is sad to see Islam associated with anything but Peace and good faith.. surely the world views have changed due to the recent terrorist attacks and the terrorists that carried the attacks in the name of Islam, such terrorists are extremists that has no relation what so ever with what Islam is about or the teaches of Islam .. there were are lots of examples where extremists Christians were to blame for several events but does that make Christianity bad or should we blame Christian religion for it? Hitler was Christian, should we associate his doings with Christianity? All Americans are immigrants from the coming from different countries and from different backgrounds, why Arabs, Hispanic or African American are discriminated against? It is really a good change to finally see someone that can bring in change … we are all Americans and we all love this country… Change should start with us people, we need to clear our thoughts from this dark cloud up ahead.. only change can bring real peace and prosperity..

I loved the comment starting: "Both this article, and the one by Ms. Brown show just how people in the West are poorly informed about muslims."

... I awaited the education.

The post then proceeded: "So, let us be clear - there is no such a thing as a moderate muslim."... and following a few steps of logic, concluded: "Given this fact, every muslim is both an extremist and a fundamentalist".

I had to laugh... but Socrates would have probably put a shotgun to his eye.

I presume the writer to be a good Christian... and having to accept all of Christianity's teaching (by his/her definition of what a believer is) - this person can be fairly labelled as both an extremist and a fundamentalist.

Mike G, Slovenia.

No moderate muslims? What a display of ignorance. Putting history aside -which would be enough to prove that muslims have been tolerant for much more time than most christians- there are peaceful and hardworking muslims all over the world right now. By the way, in the bible there are also racist, sexist, hateful words and most christians just forget it... for example it clearly approves slavery in many passages: Leviticus 25:44-46; Exodus 21:2-6
But off course this is not important. What really matters is people wanting to live in peace. I don't think Republicans want peace for anyone but themselves.. peace, prosperity, comfort, and no matter if they have to burn the rest of the world. Are those the enlighnting christian values? No. neither muslim, or hebrew.

It is sad that in this america that we live in there is still plain ignorance and racism. The race issue should be brought up to educate people. Senator Obama is a human being and I don't see color or his religious background.

It is heartening to see John McCain beginning to tamp down many of the outrageous outbursts and mistruths but on Friday night at the rally referred to by Hala, he left himself with ambiguity and questions about his view of Arabs.

The woman said, “He’s an Arab!” to which John McCain said, “No, ma'am. He's a decent family man…”

McCain appears to enforce the view that Arabs are indecent people that you cannot trust.

Supporters of McCain may say that McCain’s affirmation of Obama’s decency was made to counter the earlier assertion about trustworthiness but many times in this campaign McCain has himself challenged Obama’s honesty and hammered away at this issue of trust.

We all say things or omit things in the heat of the moment but John McCain and his campaign team have been on the defensive over criticism of audience outbursts and the whipping up of fear at Friday’s rally. They do not appear to have clarified McCain’s position on Arabs and the Arab world.

In whatever capacity John McCain serves in the future, while he may encourage trade with Arab nations he appears to have a problem with Arabs and he is perpetuating the dangerous and damaging stereotypes about Arabs that have been around for centuries.

The present financial crisis is happening so that the "rich" man can enter the kingdom of heaven. These are the "end" times. The "moon" split in two is of Arab origin.

...I think, John McCain, by responding to the "arab slur" by saying "No Ma'am, he is a decent family man" will not win him any friends neither in the US or the arab world. If he had chosen to address the racist nature of the comment, he would have appeared more trustworthy. It simply shows the lack of direction his campaign has had...

The Obama candidacy and potential presidency represents a convergence of different backgrounds including race and religion and, its Americans rose up to support that as, it creates the initial steps towards a harmonious world.

It's too bad Americans like this woman give the rest of us a bad name. I don't care what a candidate looks like, he/she could be of any ethnic decent. The policies are what matters and what that person plans to do for the country.

Being an apologist isn't addressing the issue at all. This isn't about America's racism. The blame lies with the Muslim community, who must do a better job of policing themselves from within in order to reign in extremism, and reach out to the rest of the world, if anyone hopes to have this negative, but understandable, stigma changed. And this effort will have to be noticeable and ongoing before anyone's mind is changed.

You know why McCain did not address the racist slur .. well I think and maybe am just cynical, but the question was planted and McCain had a prepared answer .. see he is too smart not to have figured out the very simple but nonetheless serious implications of the question .. "He is an ARAB!!! Damn that is serious .. cos he is just a decent man and a Citizen .. Damn those Arabs. McCain is not thick. Conclusion the question was planted.

"It is heartening to see John McCain beginning to tamp down..."

Is it? I don't think so. This is the case of 'pinching the baby and rocking the cradle!'

The fact that people ask such ridiculous questions such as the one the lady did to McCain shows how ignorant humans can be by passing uninformed judgment about others. If you're in country in the middle of crisis as concerned citizen you should be interested in getting wise information about the candidates and their policies allowing you to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, the world’s biggest problems are related to ignorance which takes us towards a path of protectionism and ultimately racism. And to be honest John McCain has done nothing to stop the racist comments during the campaign rally proving to be a racist himself.

"It is heartening to see John McCain beginning to tamp down...

Is it? I don't think so. This is the case of 'pinching the baby and rocking the cradle'!

The Arab governments are not doing enough in their countries to erradicate fundamentalism , they also show insufficient tolerance towards Christian communities

Nevertheless , the USA being a multicultural state , any COMPETENT American citizen can run for the office of the presidency , no matter what are his origins , race or religion , period

I grew up on the west side of Detroit near Dearborn. They're are a lot Arab-Americans there. I have a lot of Arab-American friends. I think it's very sad how American media portray Arabs or Muslims. Why doesn't CNN report on Arab-American stories? There's a very good story on Dearnborn Fordson HS football team. Many on the team are Muslim. And Muslims love to play American football as much as Christians. They're 7-0. Also, try going to Dearborn community center. See Muslim women playing basketball with head scarves. I see this everyday when I visit my parents (I now live in California). This doesn't bother me one bit. Muslims participate in the Dearborn community. Maybe their dress or customs are slightly different. But Muslims and Arab-Americans are just a (big) part of our community.

I think he knew exactly what he was saying. It goes without saying that he disrespects arabs and muslims. We should however not be surprised by this. It is very clear that he also has no respect for his opponent which was obvious during the debates. This will go down very badly with the arab/muslim people within the US and outside it.

Since when is Arab a bad word , with all due repect Arabs know their ancestory since the beginning of time , some others might not even know who their grandparents or even their parents

@11:25 & 12:06 (big al); There are many moderate Muslims and Arabs such as: Dr. Juhdi Jasser, Nonie Darwish, Walid Shoebat, and Hirsi Ali. All of the above have taken great strides to promote religious co-existence and have tried to combat radical Islam by publicly speaking out against it and risking their lives. They are brave individuals who must be commended. There are many other Muslims and Arabs like them that want to live in peace with their Christian and Jewish brethren, but unfortunately their voices are silenced in the Middle East.

@12:04; Turkey, and not Indonesia, is a moderate Muslim country. Indonesia refuses to recognize Israel and has no formal relations with the country, although other Muslim countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan do have relations with Israel. Surprisingly, not only is Indonesia the largest Muslim country in the world, but its schools are known as bastions of Islamic extremism. The terrorists who carried out the Bali bombings in 2005 were members of Jemaah Islamiyah, which is known to have connections and support from Indonesia's school system where many of the students are indoctrinated in this hatred. And to correct your error, Barack Obama did not attend schools in Indonesia for "two years". He spent his formative early school years in Indonesia from 1967-1971 which definitely amounts to more than "two years", no matter who is doing the math.

@12:38(Jess); Being "Jewish" doesn't make you a moral authority on the issue. There are Jewish extremists on the left and the right who refer to themselves as "Jews" in name only. Among these extremists are the ultra-Orthodox Jews of the "Neturei Karta" sect and the radical liberal Jews of "Progressive Judaism", etc. There was a radical liberal female "rabbi" (women are banned from being rabbis in traditional Judaism, just as women are banned from being priests in Catholicism) and ultra-Orthodox rabbis who met with Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a man who has publicly called for Israel's destruction. They may refer to themselves as being "Jewish", but these extremists have been ostracized by the Jewish community, just as many Muslims and Arabs would like to ostracize the extremists and terrorists in their midst. While you may not be a member of these extremist groups, if you claim that there is no media bias in the portrayal of Israel or Jews then you are either misinformed or delusional.

We still need to learn this lesson:

"The unity which is productive of unlimited results is first a unity of mankind which recognizes that all are sheltered beneath the overshadowing glory of the All-Glorious; that all are servants of one God; for all breathe the same atmosphere, live upon the same earth, move beneath the same heavens, receive effulgence from the same sun and are under the protection of one God."
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

What is sad is that people are saying they won't vote for Obama because he's Muslim (an ethnic prejudice). And, in truth, he is not Muslim but a Christian. And yet people criticize him for being Muslim and at the same time criticize him for his connection with Reverand Wright. That's ridiculous.

He has both African and European heritage, but he does not have an Arabic heritage. Yet, uneducated people attach Islam (falsely) with Arab peoples. So, referring to him as an Arab is and as a Muslim are both ignorant of the facts.

I remember a report of a McCain rally where a woman is speaking to McCain, "I don't trust Obama; he's an Arab." This is racist. McCain was shaking his head "no," and she looked surprised. And the media responded positively, saying that he finally shot down some bigotry. But what people fail to see is that he himself was also racist. He responded, "No, he is a decent man." What he is saying, then, is essentially, "He's not Arabic because he is a decent man." Not only should McCain be embarrassed by the ignorant and racist supporters of his campaign, but he should be embarrassed by his own racism and ignorance. America should be embarrassed by nominating him to head a major political party.

At first Obama visited a catholic elementary school in Jakarta and then moved to a public elementary school. It was at the second part of the sixties. At that time the main policy of indonesian government was against communism. So as consequencies it was never at any schools "institutionally taught to hate americans".

It is true that many people in the world, or the rest of the world, right now against US foreign policies, because of their "double standard" and wars. But not against americans. Remember 200.000 people (never so many in the US) came to see Obama in Berlin. The rest of the world really want a change in the US foreign policy and the one the can do it is Obama (see CNN survey).

In the era of globalization the americans have to learn more about other worlds. Selfcentered and egoism are policies of the past.

Aldy.

If Mr Obama is what is alledged that he is an Arab and a Muslim, then the American people should be very proud to have him. His manners, attitude and behaviour would be welcomed to any religion or race.

The hatered incited in America against the Arab is no different from the hatered incited by the Arabs against the American. That was clearly demonstrated by the women question and Mr McCain response.

Dr. A. Salem

I am an informed American. Not only have I read the Bible and the Quran, I dated a Muslim while in college. I also majored in political science and understand the processes by which someone comes to be elected in my sadly ignorant country. Other than the fact that 90% of the people in the US have practically no understanding of our political process and what everything means, they have become so used to being talked down to, as though we are children, that we no longer seek to question our government. We no longer seek to question the rhetoric used at political rallies or in stump speeches. The last eight years of Bushism has taught us that we aren't allowed to know what the government does and who it feels is bad. Our governmental representatives have decided the best way to keep themselves in power is to create an aura of fear and isolationism around our country. No one seems to understand that "Arab" doesn't mean "Muslim" and doesn't mean "evil". Unfortunately, these terms have been linked in such a way that it will take years and a lot of education to change that view point.

Also, we need to understand that due to the environment in which that older woman actually grew up in- also an era of fear and governmental cover-ups and lies. I can also say that McCain himself appeared to have been shocked and dismayed from her comment. In fact, taking the microphone away from her and telling her she was wrong. I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one, and say that he didn't respond in the way of "No, he's an American, not an Arab..." because he was so shocked by the comment.

Though I know that ethnicism and maleducation exist strongly in the American psyche, I think it would be wrong to assume that we are the only country suffering from this disease. Americans do not have a patent on this type of hatred and speech. As someone who has been living in Europe, I have seen and heard things that have shocked and appalled me. Events that stopped happening in the US in the 50's, at the height of integration. I know that it is easy to say, "Oh, look at those stupid Americans over there saying stupid things and believing in stupid things that their leaders say..." but understanding that there is not a single country in this world that exists in a perfect utopia.

I have personally tried my best to educate people who may have skewed views on Islam or not knowing what "Arab" means in order to at least, one person at a time, make them have understanding and knowledge- even create the thirst for knowledge to understand what it is to be a Muslim. These terms existed for Americans in a nebulous form until 9/11/01. We didn't know too much about them, and we didn't really care because we didn't have a problem with them. So when your first exposure is that catastrophic event, it can be difficult to know what to believe.

Lately I'm seeing and hearing things from Mr. John McCain's campaign that makes me speechless with disbelief. Please tell me that the majority of the GOP does NOT consist of those hate spewing racist low-lifes I had to witness on TV. All that was missing were white cloaks and caps and burning crosses. If he really is that All American Hero, he should have put that brawling mob to silence in the first place, distancing himself and the GOP from this blatant display of racism.
Furthermore I’m afraid Mr. McCain believes to be praised for his effort to put the record straight on Mr. Obama's falsely presumed Arab status. He totally seemed ignorant of it that in fact he in that same moment disqualified more than a million of his Arab American fellow countrymen as being some kind of crook or terrorist. Another display of racist behavior.
I sincerely hope the American voters will punish him for the fact that he had to revert to personal attacks towards his opponent, seeing that he could not win the discussion on real important issues.
The US as well as the free world need a dignified, intelligent and inspiring leader who can keep his act together. I'm sorry to say that Mr. McCain is failing aforementioned qualifications.
Please US citizens: vote for the right candidate. You're voting for us 'foreigners' as well, so act responsibly.

What surprises and indeed worries me is just how long it has taken for this to be the subject of a report in the US media.

I don't think the Obama campaign can be blamed for "playing the game" because they try to make sure that Obama is not seen as a Muslim or even as standing too close to them. The consequences of that would be just devastating; I can vividly imagine the right-wing slurs that would follow a picture of Obama with two headscarf-wearing women in the background. It would play into the hands of those who are even now trying to depict him as a friend of terrorists.
This is, of course, highly unfair regarding American Muslims, and an embarrassment for the rest of our society. But the facts, sad as they are, cannot be ignored.

I think this is being taken way too far out of context, and believe me, I am no McCain fan. It was not the best choice of words, but it's far from being the worst thing he could have said. He was responding the way the woman needed to hear, like it or not.

Ya'll need to chill out.

Maybe when ordinary Muslims and Muslim groups start condemning all of the radical rhetoric that comes from extremists, then "Muslim" and "Arab" will stop being a slur

I AM SO TIRED OF ARABS BEING EQUATED TO TERRORISTS. I AM OF LEBANESE ORIGIN, MY GREAT GRANDFATHER CAME TO THE UNITED STATES IN THE LATE 1860'S (YES,THAT LONG). IT MAY NOT BE THE MAYFLOWER,BUT HE ARRIVED WITH THREE OF HIS SON'S. THEY WENT FROM THE EAST COAST TO CLEVELAND AND ULTIMATELEY TO UPSTATE NEW YORK. MY GRAND FATHER AND HIS BROTHERS SERVED IN THE U.S. ARMY IN WW1; MY DAD IN THE US ARMY AIR FORCE IN WWII, AND MY UNCLE WAS A MILITARY DOCTOR WITH THE US ARMY IN KOREA. I HAD AN UNCLE THAT SERVED AS AN AGENT WITH THE NSA. I AM NOT THE ONLY "ARAB" AMERICAN THAT HAD RELATIVES SERVE THIS COUNTRY. WHAT ABOUT FOLKS LIKE JOHN SUNNU, GEORGE MITCHELL, SPENCER ABRAHAM, OR OTHERS SUCH AS DANNY THOMAS AND JAMIE FARR... WE HAVE CONTRIBUTED A GREAT DEAL TO THE US. ONE LAST THING, THE PRESDIENT OF THE US AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR TO A YOUNG MAN WITH THE SURNAME, MANSOOR... GUESS HIS ORIGIN? HE GAVE THE ULTIMATE..... BY THE WAY, MY COUSIN,BOBBY, WAS MUDERED ON 9/11..SO YOU SEE, WE ARE PART OF THE SOUL OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY. YES THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE, AND SOME ARE ARABS,BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WHO CAME HERE,DID SO TO BE PART OF THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE AND EPERIMENT. THEY HAD/AND SHARED THE VISION OF THE CITY ON THE HILL...

"The unhappiness tends to be compounded when members, generally, don't take continued, loud, and universal umbrage at the egregious actions of some--actions clearly beyond the pale. If condemnation (unrelenting, loud, clear, universal) had been forthcoming from members generally,
it seems likely that the onus would now be on the evil-doers and not with members generally."
Who told you that the Arabs whether intellectuals, politicians or average citizens didn't react against such "egregious acts"? If you want to get unbiased information watch and read the Arabic or even European media instead of relying only on your own.

I find that it is a very sad commentary on today's America that this type of ignorance on the part of our fellow citizens can exist and that our leaders don't have the gumption to call it what it is. As one of the other comments said--all that was missing were the white hoods and burning crosses. As someone who grew up in the South during the sixties I had hoped with all my heart that racism was at least on the way out, but lately the rhetoric of the McCain/Palin campaign and their rallies have appeared more like lynch mobs outside the sheriff's office than
political rallies for the highest office in the land.

I just hope that the 'silent majority' will speak up and stop this runaway train before more and possibly lasting damage is done to our society.

We all need to step back and learn to become civil again.

I had posted 3 weeks ago about my observaton of the way McCain campaign had been set up. I did observe that whilst I was staying at the same St. Louis hotel as McCain, his ground runners and those linked to him, were wispering to one another how they should not trust Obama because he is a Muslim. The fact what was being said in private was only going to be made public as a matter of course. Those who run the McCain campaign I believe are racist, it is easier for them to lable Obama as an Arab or Muslim than state the obvious as the latter is unacceptable. I am not a democrat nor a republican I was simply there as a British tourist and was shocked by the demeanour of those who were running the McCain campain, in fact on that Labour Day weekend, the only black person I saw associated with the McCain entourage was 1 security officer. My wife commented how the people there chearing this man on were uniformly white skin headed men all dressed in clothing reminicent of the old crisply pressed suits one associates with the KKK.
I dont think many Americans notice that as they are in the picture, but to an outside observer as we were it was so uncomfortable, and in a way sad because it is not the tollerant, friendly, easy going, treat people as you see them America that I experienced on this trip.

"Maybe when ordinary Muslims and Muslim groups start condemning all of the radical rhetoric that comes from extremists, then "Muslim" and "Arab" will stop being a slur"

Part of the problem are statements like this. What makes you think average muslims dont speak out against the extremism? I've heard comments from muslims over and over, and on this blog alone, condemning them. There are no stories about them on the news sites because the media doesn't deem stories like those to be newsworthy. The problem is a lot of people refuse to seperate the extremists from the average muslim, which is the very definition of sterotypes. They seem to think extremists are just carrying out what moderates are secretly wishing they could and they are rooting for them in some way. There are Christian and Jewish extremists out there, but the moderates of those groups (which I assume is most of the posters here) aren't associated with them in this way. If we Americans would just get a little perspective before making judgements, we'd be much better off.

Geeez, people! This is the reason America is such an amazing country and at the same time really messed up! There are some very valid comments here and also some fairly uninformed opnions - appearing to be experts about God's green earth - but really, saying a whole lot of nothing in the end...apart from letting yourself down as a kind and decent human being. Whatever your issues are out there, sure, you're entitled to your opinions but PLEASE...chill out.

Obama has met Vice-President Cheney; they have been in the same buidling and room. In addition, the two are blood relatives. Since Vice-President is conservative-reactionary individual, therefore Senator Obama must be too. Obama had been indoctrinated by the Vice-President and he must be conservative-reactionary!

Great! We did not need another conservative-reactionary now. Did we?

@2:29 (Aldy); Just because 200,000 people showed up to see Obama in Berlin doesn't mean they understood what his policies are, let alone what he said in his speech. This is proven by the fact that Obama said,"...but my father grew up herding goats in Kenya." Obama was immediately interrupted with a round of applause and realized that most of the crowd had no idea what he was talking about. Even Obama couldn't keep a straight face and had to crack a smile.

Furthermore, most Europeans are fans of Barack Obama because the European media focuses almost entirely on him, yet the majority of Europeans can't name a single policy issue that he stands for. Most Europeans are thrilled about an Obama presidency because he is "black" and "a great speaker".

The "double standard" that you refer to should be attributed to the Europeans. Most Europeans are thrilled about an Obama presidency because they know how Blacks were discriminated against in the past in the US and they see his candidacy as an opportunity to come to terms with the past. However, these same Europeans discriminate against their own racial, ethnic, and religious minorities and most would not be thrilled if Obama became the leader of their country. If Obama was Jewish and running for chancellor of Germany, do you think the people would elect him?! While the pre-World War II Germans were very tolerant and had no problem in electing Jewish leaders, despite the positive efforts of the German government, many Germans still harbor an under the surface hatred or prejudice towards Jews, Muslims, Blacks, and other minorities. In fact, the neo-Nazi NPD party is a legal political party. At least there are no racist parties on any current ballot in the US.

What unjust wars are you referring to? World War II? Bosnia? The United States has come to the defense of Europe time after time. In fact, the "false intelligence" provided to the US for the Iraq war came in large part from the German intelligence services. While it is true that the Iraq was not one of the top threats to the US at the time, the whole world rejoiced at the overthrow of the brutal dictator Saddam Hussein, who attacked several countries and used torture and chemical weapons on his own people.

@2:38; Just because you studied political science, doesn't make you an expert. Sarah Palin also studied political science, yet the Democratic party has deemed her as "unqualified", even though she has more executive experience than Barack Obama. Contrary to your misleading statement, most Americans are aware of the US political system. While you are right that Bush has been one of the least popular presidents in US history, on the other hand he has also protected the US from terror attacks and since 9/11 there have been no terror attacks carried out on US soil (although there were several in European countries). It is thanks to his diligence on the war on terror that he has kept America safe. You may criticize Bush's policies as being too harsh, but just remember that it was a Democratic president (Franklin D. Roosevelt) who falsely imprisoned thousands of innocent Japanese Americans and it was a Republican president (Ronald Reagan) who was the first to apologize and compensate them.

If the results of the 2008 presidential election are similar to the 2000 election (where one candidate won the popular vote and the other won the electoral vote) and there is a reversal of roles, will you protest an Obama presidency with as much vigor(like you have protested Bush's presidency)if John McCain wins the popular vote and Obama wins the electoral vote and thus becomes president?!

I must say that I am pleasantly surprised about how many people not only recognize the racial and ethnic prejudices and hatred by using Arab and Muslim as slurs... but especially by how many people are angered by this. Americans should all be angry. Thinking that a person could or should be judged and slandered according to racial or ethnic heritages is the most NON-American thing a person could do. For the same reason that a person can be judged by the friends he/she keeps, so too can a political candidate be judged by his/her supports. Thus, and in part because of the past 8 years, if McCain and Palin are elected to the White House, I am denouncing my citizenship and moving to another country. I cannot put up with anymore embarrassment as an American.

I will not vote for Obama because he's black...I won't because he is Muslim. Is he so ashamed that he conveniently drops his middle name? Fortunately we live in a society that gives us the choice to choose between one person or another to lead this country. A Muslim is a Muslim.

But it is a slur. I wouldn't want to be called an Arab.

I grow up in a very Catholic background country, but yet I don’t remember seeing religion being used as determinate or distinguish factor on local politics. I don’t think God was ever used deliberately used on national politics, even as political guidance reference, like so many American politicians do. The USA is, allegedly, one of the most modern, developed and democratic countries in the world, but I’m always surprised by the fact how USA politicians and citizens continuous to mix politics with religions in their politics campaigns or political decisions.
Seems American politicians have a way to communicate to God like any other nation.
I just think that it’s dangerous to mix politics with religions. It happened before in men’s history and the result wasn’t good.
I have difficult in understanding why religions, skin colour, beauty, or any type of social distinguish can be used to judged someone. People aren’t only Muslim, Catholics, black or white, poor or rich, cultured or uncultured, people are individuals, and each individual has its own way to be in life, live, seeing and understand life, and as so we relate to others.
Our views on life and the world depend not only of our culture backgrounds: religion, education, politic views or even sports teams choices, but also of our won personal principles and believes and individual perceptions. Each person is brought differently, even in the same family, that’s why we distinguish ourselves from our brothers and sisters. So judging a person by any of those factors it’s like throwing a rock to the space. But yet, in our human civilization we like to judge others based only by our personal views, or other views , like Those in Power like us to believe in/on.

Regarding Indonesia (in reply to commentator who posted at 1:59p.m. below). Of course Indonesia is a moderate mulsim country. Recognition of Israel is not the litmus test of theocratic extremism or indeed moderation. Lack of recognition (of Israel) is a political stance. Malaysia (another moderate muslim state) holds a similar position. Both are multi-ethnic democracies which have struggled with their own ethnic fabric, and find Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as dispicable.

big Al said: "Until muslims allow people of all countries and all religions to live free from fear then arab is a slur they have earned "

Al, you are clearly clueless and obviously have absolutely no idea of what you're talking about!

Your statement makes absolutely no sence - for starters the words "Arab" and "Muslim" are NOT synonyms and have different meanings. Not all Arabs are Muslim, and not all Muslims are Arab.

'What makes you think average muslims dont speak out against the extremism?'

Gee, maybe because the arab world rejoiced on sept.11, 2001?
For an eyewitness story, read
http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=95001194

Or is it because of the majority in muslim countries expressed admiration of Usama Bin Ladin, according to polls from Pew Research?
http://markhumphrys.com/islamic.world.html#moderate

Muslim majorities in western countries supporting sharia law, honour killings?

Muslim the new queer? hey why not try and have your gay parade in Gaza City or Cairo of Jeddah? CNN better film the event from a safe distance for risk of too much blood spatters on the lens.

ConnieLouise: how could you be so ignorant?

Obama is not a Muslim (he is Christian)and he is not an Arab (He is an African-American).


duh, general culture 101 is not your strong point, is it?

To anyone condoning the use of "Muslim" or "Arab" to judge and degrade another person: You are one of many different kinds of ignorant and uneducated people on this earth. So long as you allow your ignorance and your hatred to persist, you make ugly what should be beautiful. You vandalize everything aspect of our common struggle, our common aspirations, and our unity. You spit in the face of Humanity. There is nothing more repulsive on the face of this earth than such bigotry spawned by xenophobia and a poor sense of self and a narrowed world perspective. The world is one interconnected whole, and you are its achilles heel - its broken parts - destroying what is good and beautiful.

@ connielouise- I fail to see your reasoning behind your "A Muslim is a Muslim" statement. It must be in reaction to this very idea that Barack Obama opted not to use his middle name because it was confusing to some that sometimes a name is just a name or as William Shakespeare would say "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet." Or perhaps lead just as well? But you cannot possibly be deriding Muslims for constantly changing their names. It only displays and ignorance and smallmindedness that seems to stem from middle America. It is a shame that such an influential country should have such uninformed citizens. But that blame can be shouldered by all...it is a collective responsibility to educated and inform those who need it most. Speaking out against injustices such as these is certainly a first step, but to use the Christian principle of treating each man as a brother and seeing Christ in everyone we should educate those who are handicapped my such racism and hate.

Its sad that in America ,where equallity is an important part of the constituion, someone who is Arab or Muslim can not reach out to be president no matter how qualified he or she may be.
Even if Obama was a Muslim or an Arab ? What difference would it make ? He would still have the same judgement and plans. Maybe an Muslim president would even be better suited to confront muslim extremists all over the world.
Much of the hate that Muslims have for the USA would disappear with a Muslim president.

@ 4:31

Actually, the Germans probably did know what he was saying. Europeans are not stupid, and you'd be hard pressed to find some that don't speak some English, obviously those who went there have been following the presidential election, and have understanding of English. So don't generalise because a lot of foreigners sometimes have a better understanding of English than most

Also, the European media does not focus on Barack Obama
I am from England, and the BBC provides unbiased coverage. You see coverage of McCain, just as much as Obama. It's not our fault McCain's popularity has slipped and as such all the negative stuff is coming through now is it?

The USA only came to Europes defence in WW2 because they're harbours got bombed by the Japanese, probably the only act of terrorism you'd seen that was on such a big scale until 9/11 (correct me if I'm wrong nicely please) Yes, we were failing by then, but we were a good length into the war, and the USA only came in possibly around 2 years before the end. Europeans have heard that age old saying of 'If it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking German' so many times, it's annoying. We get it, you saved us. But by the point you came in, we had been bombed, ravaged and nearly destroyed. Even London, across the sea was bombed. We were thankful then and for the past few years. We stopped getting thankful when the USA started rubbing it into our faces.

And Obama himself. He's not Arabic

I actually hope Arab countries voice up, because the true Arab's are the Saudi Arabians, the people of the United Arab Emirates, the Egyptians, and so forth. By saying he's Arab is implying his Iraqi or something.

Muslim's are not always Arabs. An Arab is a type of ethnic group, someone who speaks Arabic, lives in an Arabic society.

It's like saying Sarah Palin is Italian or something.

I happen to have some Muslim friends, they're not all extreme. Yes they have to tone down but, it depends where they learn. If they get taught by an extremist, they get extreme views.

Obama is not Muslim, nor is he Arab.

He is Catholic and African-American

Thanks for bringing this up Hala.
I think that this just goes to show how thickheaded 'some' of the American public is. They have no idea about the ongoings outside of their country and all they believe is what the media feeds them which is that an Arab is a 'bad person' as he/she is carrying out the violent activities in Iraq. This leads to them not being that open-minded that not all Arabs are 'bad people'. And for McCain to pass that comment without correcting it just goes to show what kind of mentality he has towards the Arabs abroad and the Arab Americans. He actually thinks himself that an Arab is blah! It's absolutely unacceptable!

I am a Lebanese descent, Catholic and a McCain supporter (at least I was). I personally felt attacked by that elderly lady’s comment. Even more by the candidate’s weak answer. So I have to assume that is not a good thing to be an Arab, or a Muslim? C’mon John McCain… you are better than that!

Julie

The demonizing of arabic people has no textual connection with authentic historical facts.It is narrated by people who are characterized by persistent note of ignorance and arrogance,of vehemence,of rudness,the braggadocio of ill-mannered people who are comfortably entrenched behind their desks.This kind of practices are coming in an age of exploitation which does not seem to pass.Arabic people became a target for those who are trying to promote their careers and therfore they formed unwilling partnership with arabic people which seemed to have flourished in the submission to the rules of stronger partner.

Interviewing James Zogby won't get you any inside info because his organization is not an "Arab-American" one, it is a "WHITE Arab-American" organization. I have tried to write and call this guy and I get the usual "I am out of the office" reply. Al people have to do is to look at the website and it is nothing more than propaganda trying to demonstrate the how white arabs are. All you see are the whitest so-called arabs or those mixed with white. You never see the clearly black ones or the black styled ones or even the yellow Asiatic/brown types. Zogby is a clown and an arab white supremacist. If any arabs are white, it is because they are as they were slaves in the empires...

So - why is it again that Inside the Middle East IS NOT shown in the US?

In response to "There is no such a thing as a moderate muslim" (orginal comment below)

So does that mean that anyone who practice premarital sex is not a Christian? Is Sarah Palin not a Christian because her daughter had premartical sex? Your kind of comment is exactly the kind of racism that the article is talking about, and you are trying to hide it and be so self-righteous and all. you are racist, admit it, and educate yourself.

I am all for honest-non-politically correct comments that celebrate cultural diversity, but there are little slip-ups (like McCain's and yours) that you can tell what the person is really thinking. On the other hand, you can tell some of these people who are trying to be all politically correct but has a racist message underneath. You can't hide. People see through the superficialness of your words.



Both this article, and the one by Ms. Brown show just how people in the West are poorly informed about muslims. So, let us be clear - there is no such a thing as a moderate muslim. If someone takes all of Islam's teachings, picks a few pieces here and there and ignores the rest, by definition, he is not a muslim. Yet, in order to be a moderate muslim, that is exactly what they have to do - ignore major and fundamental parts of Islam.
Given this fact, every muslim is both an extremist and a fundamentalist, and no, USA does NOT want such a person for a president, or for any other important position, in Government or otherwise.

Let's face it people.Most Americans do not know a lot of things about this world we live in. The woman's comments were inappropriate and shame on her. I guess we should all classify 'Americans " around the world as bullies and invaders considering the Bush effect.NO!! People should not be judged on race, ethnicity, religion or nationality. I only pray we can keep out stupid thoughts to ourselves sometimes. A running mouth can definitely cause a lot of controversies

This just shows what everyone is fed up of knowing! That the West is pre-historical and against me I'm talking, because I was born, and lived there all my childhood. I'm an american citizen, my mother is from Kansas and she is a portuguese descendent.

In other hand my father is czech and a jew, and we all lived in Seattle. And you fell that american people in general and especially in the mid-west behaves different with you when you are not a christian, or when your skin is darker than your blonde neighbor!

There is no need of being arab or black descendent to be discriminated by another american citizen you only need to have another faith, or have glasses or braces!

Now I'm living in Spain with my family and I can assure you all that living in Europe is far more simple than living at USA where everyone is steering at you and pointing you just from being from another religion/color. Here you don't have to worry about what you are dressing, or where you are going to pray because anybody cares about that, and that is what lacks in USA!

What I find particularly worrisome in this story is McCain's failure to explain that even if Obama were an "Arab-American", such a fact would have absolutely no incidence on his ability to be president. I am so disapponted in McCain for not clearly stating that "Arab" should in no way be used in a derogatory fashion.

Arabs Flew Planes into Buildings on Sep. 11th.

An Arab Palestinian Murdered Bobby Kenedy.

Arabs Kidnapped & Murdered at the Munich Olympics.

It's nice that you focus on how the campaigns have avoided this issue-but Arabs have done little in terms of positive public relations since 9-11 & as a result-most Americans view Arabs as a group of people that don't agree or like Western values. This is obvious to most Americans.

Barrack Obama never went to Islamic school in Jakarta, Indonesia. He went to Catholic Primary School (SD Katolik Asisi) until third grade and then moved to public school. Indonesian public school is not Islamic school.

McCain didn't do anything wrong in his response. If the old lady had said "Barrack is black and I won't vote for him", the right resposne would have been "c'mon, he's a decent family man, vote on his politics." Basically the same thing.

If an Arab refuses to admit they are Arabian, it does make you wonder what they have to hide, doesn't it? I mean, being Muslim is "just a religion" right? Not a political movement, right?

Right.

The fact of the matter is the average American is oblivious to cultural differences beyond what he/she sees and is familiar with. The American media is also to blame for portraying an "Arab" or a "Muslim" negatively. To the contrary however, Arabs & Muslims are decent human beings. Regardless of the bad apples who are common in any culture and in any society around the world. The other day, I was shopping on Ebay, and I had a complaint about a certain product which I bought. So instead of leaving the merchant negative feedback, mine was neutral. Consequently, the merchant was upset, because I tarnished her reputation. In the process she used words like "You People", and "Person Like You" etc That immediately sparked upsetting memories Rosa Parks, and "back of the bus" scenario all over again.

The wholesome American people whom we all love and respect, need to respect people's differences, ethnicities, races, and religions.

And hey, the next person who calls me an Arab, I will salute him/her. It is who I am, and who I am proud to be.

Is really sad, a president candidate, who brag about his "international" experience said "no, he isnt arab, he is a good man" I dont even wanna know his opinion about blacks, latins, gays, foreings, etc.
To the "people is europe support him only because hi is black" yes, someone really believe 200.000 are going to see him, in Berlin, because he looks like Denzel Washington?? you believe german people is stupid? please...people is Europe is more informed about his ideas than some people in America, the same way the popularity of Bush was a lot lower everywhere than in America, after...finally american people realice "oh..ok, our president is terrible, you were right" with Obama is the same...sometime being a outsider help to get a better perspective.

Some informations about muslims.
Dear fellow humans, did you know that:


your digits 0 until 9 are from arab origin, even the typographic form.

your coffee that you drink is a arab invention

all you know about the old greeks and of course all about the beginnings of democracy
has been told you by muslim tutors who were
teaching in one of the worlds first real universities in Cordoba/Spain 12th century.
This university started a scientific revolution in europe. This is because all original greek wisdom has been lost but survived in arab translations which were kept by wise arab emperors in their libraries. From Archimedes to Sokrates, you name it.

That muslims tolerated every religion they even saved the Jews from Medina/Arabia from beeing harmed by polytheistic mobs
(6th century) and they tolerated the christians even in occupied countries of the osmanic empire (10th - 19th century) all across europe no church has been destroyed.

Arabs and Jews and therefor Christians have the same religious origins.Even Abraham, Moses and Jesus are higly respected and loved prophets in the Islam and mentioned a lot of times in the holy quran.

The christian crusaders slaughered almost all muslims and jews from Jerusalem (11th century) that means of course babys too, but afterwards as the muslims reconquered Jerusalem (led by Saladin) they gave all christians free passage and did not kill a single citizen of Jerusalem. In fact Saladin ordered death penality to anyone who ignored this and killed a christian.

The muslims have a long history of tolerance and knowledge, and are a peaceful community. I live in Germany and I know alot of muslims living in my neighbourhood, most of them are decent and friendly people. We all should have learned what it means to seed hatred against one group of people. It seems that everybody forgot what the Nazis did to the Jews. Sure, every religion has it´s sick fanatics and some are dangerous and violent, but this you have in any religion.

The ordinary citizen in no matter which country will face huge changes to his/her daily life. The speeding up worldwide globalisation along with the extreme climatic changes will be a hard challenge to all of mankind, if we do not want to end in anarchy and chaos where the starving people of the 3rd world are desperately invading the cooler northern hemisphere with it´s better water&food supplies and with the resulting wars this brings we need to really change our point of view.
Earth is a small planet with limited recources and if our leaders refuse to act like feeling humans we will all end up in agony - and then after all we all will realize that religion was the least thing we should have worried about. As mentioned I am german so please excuse my grammar.

My name is D´arc from Hamburg

I was shocked when she said she's afraid of him because he was arab. I was even more surprised by Mccain's answer.

To the person who wrote this:

"McCain didn't do anything wrong in his response. If the old lady had said "Barrack is black and I won't vote for him", the right resposne would have been "c'mon, he's a decent family man, vote on his politics." Basically the same thing.
If an Arab refuses to admit they are Arabian, it does make you wonder what they have to hide, doesn't it? I mean, being Muslim is "just a religion" right? Not a political movement, right?
Right."

That's a clever twist, and many American are stupid enough not to see through what you are saying. But I'm not one of them.
First, saying, "C'mon, he's a decent family man, vote on his politics," would be a good response in either context, whether he's addressing racial prejudice towards blacks or Arabs. But that's not what he said. He said, "No, he's a decent man," not an Arab. That is VERY different. That says that an Arab is not a decent person, thus, since Obama is decent, he's not an Arab.

Second, you are confusing (like many other ignorant Americans) the terms Arab and Muslim. Obama's not Arabic, so he doesn't have to admit to being what he is not. Obama's not Muslim, so there's nothing for him to admit to there either.

Third, I infer from your sarcasm that you are saying being Muslim IS a political movement? that's as ridiculous as saying being christian is a political movement. It's not. There are factions of Christians who are active politically, just as there are factions of Muslims who are active politically. But the religion does not define their political activism - their psycho-sociological factors (and education) determine that. If it did, you could have said of the Nazi Germany that they were a christian movement in politics, because they were backed by the Pope and preached that the superior race must be protestant. Or, are you going to tell me (I assume you are christian) that you define these people as Christians?: the Oklahoma City Bomber, Hitler, The Waco, Texas wacko... (or numerous other psychotic idiots)?

suggestions: go to college, take a course in logic and world religions. Also, you may benefit from a course in civil rights, or on the U.S. constitution and Bill of Rights. And that goes for anyone else who thinks McCain was correct with his response, and/or thinks it is ok to slander muslims and Arabs based on the actions of a few psychotic individuals who happen to coincidentally label themselves as "muslim."

And before you think that Islam has something against the west, take a World History course. Everything the west has today - all of scholarship and academia, we owe to the Muslim scholars of the middle ages. They translated everything (like Aristotle) while Europe was Burnning all the books it could find. We'd have little of Ancient Greece were it not for Muslim scholars such as Averoes. The Islamic world IS very much a part of the western world. There exists only difference in culture and education today... but once BOTH sides rid themselves of their respective corruption and fanaticism, these differences should be cherished.

Lastly, It is because of ignorance that we have had the same horrible president for the past eight years. Come on fellow Americans! Use your minds! Think for yourselves and don't be blinded by fear-mongering from the political right (e.g.: numerous TV/radio personalities and talk-show hosts) who want you to hate the "other." They no that fear is the only thing that will get you to vote certain people into office. Open your eyes! Stalin used fear also. Are you going to let the same thing happen in America? Shame on you!

I was glad when I heard John Mccain mention that Pakistan is a US ally and hence shouldn't be attacked. And I was under the impression that most of the Arab countries are key US allies in the region. So I was confused when Mccain didn't say nothing wrong being Arab.

"The christian crusaders slaughered almost all muslims and jews from Jerusalem"

"The muslims have a long history of tolerance and knowledge"

And these people are talking about education?

In fact, by the time the crusades started in 1095, the arab armies had already colonized vast swaths of afica and asia in their holy war, they occupied Spain and made incursions into several other european countries. That's the muslim history of "tolerance" for you. You seriously think those arab conquerors were any less cruel than the crusaders?
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquests

proud to be an Arab.and very proud to be a Muslim.hate is not part of my religion or culture.I feel sorry for people who hates others because of their religion or cultural back ground. god said in the holy Quran .I created you from different nations and tribes so you may know each other.few years back some one that I knew for few weeks ask me about my back ground I told him I am from the Middle east he went back few feet look at me with fear in his eyes, and said dont tell me you are an Arab.I smiled, replied back an Arab and a Muslim too.he said you are the first Arab I met. we are good friends now and he is friend to quite a few Arabs.

to 11.56.Pakistan is not Arab.it is a Muslim Country out of 1.5 billion Muslims only three hundred Millions are Arabs.

I know Pakistan is not arab, my point was that he said they were allies. And most arab countries are US allies so I thought they would receive the same consideration.

"proud to be an Arab.and very proud to be a Muslim.hate is not part of my religion or culture."

Great to hear that. So, what do you think, are Hamas and Hizb'allah heroic freedom fighters or are they terrorists?

Dear Hans van de Broek,

yes your comment is correct, but there have always been wars at any human time on earth. I´m just saying that even in conquered countries they tolerated and respected the christian religion. Of course these emperors were powermongers at their time.

"I will not vote for Obama because he's black...I won't because he is Muslim."

"But it is a slur. I wouldn't want to be called an Arab."

Are those who made such comments true Christians? Is this what your religion and moral principles incite to think and say?
What's certain is that the Quran commands Muslims to believe in Jesus and Moses, and respect all their followers.

I just want to support McCain / Palin by stating for the record that I am an Arab and I'm going to go home tonight and beat my wife and children

p.s. just to rub it in, I'm well off, live in a very nice country, have a great job, lots of money, and highly educated ... and I AM AN ARAB!

to 10.09.Hamas and Hizbollah are fighting in their country against thieves and terrorist Jewish settlers .when the terrorist settlers leave the area that does not belong to them there will be no need for Hamas and Hizbollah.

The Arab community must turn out the terrorists in their midst. Once they forcefully and very publicly repudiate and identify the relatively small amount of Arabs who practice terrorism they Arab community will be treated as heros, with the honor and respect which they deserve.

@10:09 AM, As long as you have a superpower State in the heart of the Middle East, that (consists of European immigrants/settlers) conquering & occupying a chunk of land, that for centuries belonged to an indigenous group of people (Arab-Palestinians), and practicing excessive military force, humiliation, economic depravation, restriction of movement, home demolitions..thus creating a state of desperation & resentment..you will always have groups like the Hamase's and what not..

Now, who is the terrorist?

In fact, I was more surprised by McCain's response than what that old lady said!

I'm an Arab and Muslim and it's definitely not a felony.

He who does not believe USA is a major racist country is a fool.

The racism shines through every day if you watch TV, Movies even Cartoons you will see it every day.

It does not go a day without someone mentioning black, arab, muslim and so forth.

Just look back Halle Berry became the first ever Black woman to receive and Oscar. She was not an american she was a black american, or was it African American.

It is sad to see how ignorant people in the west actually are. Also, they don't realise by saying stuff like this, they are actually increasing the divide between the west and the Muslim world. More surprising was the response of Mr. McCain who is a presidential candidate. One factor responsible is the western media. I advise respectable channels like CNN and BBC to please report impartially. Bias reporting will never lead to peaceful co-existence. Yes there are terrorists who call themselves Muslims, but believe me they are not Muslims. Islam teaches peace, tolerance, love, and above all it commands all Muslims to believe in Prophet Essa (Jesus) and Prophet Mosa (Moses). So, if a “Muslim” kills a non-Muslim in the name of Islam, frankly, he's not a Muslim.

I advise the Old lady, Mr. McCain and the general public of the west to stop making racist remarks and at least learn about the Arabs and, in particular, the Muslims before speaking.

I truely believe that this is proof positive of how racism is still amongst us...and to be honest i think a lot of white people are among the "elite racist" people we face day to day who still in this day and age would not like to see a black man in power let alone be the president of the most racist country in my eyes. For a white woman to say something so ignorant about thinking Obama was an "Arab" shows the line between white america and black america