Dear Editor,

After the near-constant hype in recent weeks of reasons we should fear the 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide or the estimated 8 million living within the United States, there’s no wonder 43 percent of Americans harbor some degree of prejudice towards Muslims, as indicated by a recent Gallup poll.

I feel it is my responsibility as your fellow American to give you some reasons not to.

My opinions are not unbiased. My sister is Muslim and I have spent the last 30 plus years watching her and my brother-in-law raise their four children as Muslims in this country. The family of six adheres to their faith to varying degrees yet all harbor a deep respect for this nation and the possibilities it can bring.

My brother-in-law immigrated to the U.S. after fleeing instability in the Middle East. He received his PhD, spent several years as a professor and then decided to pursue business. He will be the first one to tell you the success he’s achieved would not have been possible in his home country.

This is totally in line with the overwhelming narrative. By far the vast majority of Muslims come to this country with hopes and ideas of success. Those accomplishments may come in the form of education or running a thriving business, but Muslims want to be contributing members of society. They come here to improve their lives, not to tear down the fabric of American society.

“Muslim Americans are the least likely of all major religious groups to say that attacks on civilians are justifiable. And more than 9 out of 10 Muslim Americans say they are loyal to this country,” according to a 2011 article on

l.facebook.com/lFAQHr90aJAQF6ypjNqYteQIWjDDESyGJ3nArgPot_4tfig/Americanprogress. Despite this, 43 percent of Americans harbor some degree of prejudice towards Muslims, according to a recent Gallop Poll.

Thousands die each year as a result of mass shootings, yet 47% of Americans are afraid of being victims of terrorism versus 38% who are afraid of being a victim in one of these shootings. I’m here to ask you not to be afraid of people like my sister, her husband, their children and their grandchildren. They want to be able to go to the mall or the park without being accosted for their religious beliefs. This country was founded on freedom of religion. Your suspicious looks and worries are unfounded. They belong here as much as you or I. They too are Americans.

Midge Horton

Vining