The MP's request was that if a constituent wishes to visit him and communicate something, it would be helpful for him to see that individual's face. That's not "giving permission" to anyone. Give up the point Tracy Clark-Flory.

If an individual wants to participate in civil society, expect to participate in some nods to accomodate the norms of civil, non-sectarian discourse which we can agree in times of discord and unrest are necessary to create a neutral zone to do business, organize train schedules and other tasks of efficient shared infrastructure maintenance. On the other hand, if one's choice is to be cloistered, set apart, more contemplative than interactive, enjoy the serenity of withdrawal from participation in the mundane. The choice is the individual's at the end of the day.

Now to say that some individual's sexual slave is not free to remove her veil at anyone's request--well a whole 'nother ball of bee's wax and THAT I think we can agree none of the rest of us have to tolerate whatever domestic, cultural and historical choice has been made for the individual-- if my distaste for those symbols seems condescending, the individual can choose not to "internalize" that bit of oppression.

The writer's bit of sympathy is a tidy bit of disservice to her adopted constituents and ultimately dis-empowers individuals who must take personal responsibility for the consequences of their own action or inaction.

Just for the record, I only post under my real name or (on Islam-related issues) under the name "Golden Boy." Sorry if you find me smug (really).

ARQ,

You *are* cherry picking my arguments, as I'm sure you know. The Arabic word I asked you to define has a special meaning for Muslims. Can't you share what it means?

I have responded to your questions, ARQ, and the answer (again) is that Muslims demand special handling over anything critical said about their religion. The exemplarly list is long and tiresome, but just recently, how about the riots and murders over what the Pope said? The death threats against the French professor and Dutch MP? The actual murder of the Dutch filmmaker? Riots and threats over Danish cartoons? And, just for variety's sake, how about this:

http://catholiclondoner.blogspot.com/2006/09/very-rushed-post.html

You ask how Muslims have impinged upon me. I'll refrain from taking the easy way out and mentioning the thousands murdered by Muslims in this country five years ago, and give you an answer more in the spirit in which you asked it: not much. At 3% of the population, the necessary critical mass really isn't there. I find it very instructive to inspect countries in Western Europe where the critical mass *is* there: Britain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark. That is not at all where I want the USA to go, and why it is crucial Americans are not taken in by pro-Muslim propaganda along the lines of "Islam is a religion of peace."

Now I've answered all *your* questions, and I'm still waiting for that definition.... :)

golden boy, as revealed by your tiresomely smug vernacular to be yet another incarnation of the ever vigilant 'hypatia' - you'll start off your next letter as you have so many times before and after reams of your own posts denigrating muslims, with, 'it always amuses me when muslims get offended and attempt to defend themselves...'

"No, there is no US national holiday for the end of Ramadan. We don't have a holiday for the Thuggee death cults or Comanche torture cults, either. But since you're being cute, maybe you can help me with an Arabic word. Perhaps you as a Muslim know what it means?"

What a repulsive equivocation, Goldenboy - you should be ashamed. In attempting constructive discourse, this is how you respond, with such abject snideness? What a pleasant person you are. When it comes down to it, you still haven't responded to my very reasonable question. Instead, disregarding that I did identify myself as Indian, you throw out an Arabic word and demand an explanation, for no good reason I'm sure than to continue fighting.

And I wasn't trying to be 'cute.' You were harping that we demand 'special' treatment continually, and I suppose I was trying to make the point in contrast to Christians, we don't get even a day off for a pivotal holiday. Which is fine - in a blessedly multi-ethnic country, it would be crazy to declare each culture's own holiday a national one. But I thought I ought to respond to your claims, and that probably said it better than anything. Other than this business with the burqu'a in England, when have we demanded 'special treatment?' You compare us to Thuggee death cults? WOW. 8 million Muslims in the United States - how the hell have we ever, EVER impinged upon you?

ARQ,

I notice that you are conflating hair-covering with face-covering as it suits you. Yes, Muslims should remove their niqabs to speak with Straw, but not simply because he has a hearing problem. It is basic courtesy and has nothing at all to do with a requirement of modesty (such as covering the hair). But of course you cherry-pick my arguments because you are trying to put Muslims in the best light.

The real reason this is an issue is because it is an opportunity for Muslims to (once again) express outrage over any stand taken whatsoever by Westerners. The idea is to wear down resistance to the idea that any limit should be placed on the actions of Muslims, through bullying, threats of violence, and violence itself. Think I'm exaggerating? Ask the French professor who has had maps to his house published on the internet because he dared be critical of Islam. Ask the Dutch MP who has had to flee to the USA to escape Muslim violence. Alas, you can't ask her friend the Dutch filmmaker, because Muslims have already murdered him.

No, there is no US national holiday for the end of Ramadan. We don't have a holiday for the Thuggee death cults or Comanche torture cults, either. But since you're being cute, maybe you can help me with an Arabic word. Perhaps you as a Muslim know what it means? It is:

taquiyya

I think you might be trying to engage in it, but I'd like your definition to be sure.