The danger in our own prisons far exceeds that of the terror detainees presently living a much-debated lifestyle in Guantanamo cells. American terror suspects, like those arrested this week, represent our own citizens whom we have intentionally chosen to expose to the worst element of international society by allowing radical Islamic groups access to our own prisons.
Much of the blame rests with our continuing to live in the make-believe world where Islam is considered compatible with Western ideals. As if freedom of speech, tolerance, and freedom of religion were values common in Islamic lands. Can anyone name one Muslim-governed land where a Christian would feel comfortable in expressing her faith with fullness? Or a Muslim nation where a homosexual man would feel safe in making his lifestyle choice? Islam continues to struggle internally to find a way to transition into the modern world. That solution must come from within Islam itself. In fact, it cannot come from anywhere else.
In living this politically correct fantasy, we have allowed those who desire to destroy us to recruit, train, and deploy their own anti-American army from within our own prison system. How sick is that? And we have done so in the name of tolerance. A politically correct tolerance that our own President foolishly believes can lead us to peace and harmony with the Islamic world.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons continues to mire in the issue of whether to remove extremist materials from prison libraries. Saudi donors and others continue to fund prison strategies for Islamic supremacists. And we continue to sit idly by as the seeds of our demise are sown within our own land and citizenry.
Remedies for the impending disaster of terror from within do exist. However, they require vision, courage, and clear-thinking rather than the political correctness that so permeates every level of American government and education today.
First, ban radical imams from having access to American prisons and jails. Prison officials have plenty of authority to make this decision.
Second, create a list of radical materials and books not allowed to be distributed in American prisons and jails. The list would be short but clear. The present politically correct thought has been to ban all religious materials entirely from prisons, a strategy that will remove hope and the possibility of positive life change from the prison population. The task is not hard; the courage required to speak the truth is.
Third, crack down on any foundations or groups providing funding for Islamic presence in prisons. Ensure that their finances are clean and that the materials used are not the most radical ones present within Islam.
Fourth, require a world religions course, created by a reputable, reasonable scholar, for every high school student before graduating. Most of what happens in the world is shaped by the faith lives of citizens and participants. Few Americans have any real education in the origins, history, and core beliefs of the world's major religions. That knowledge simply is a must in a pluralistic culture and world. Otherwise, the Western ideals of freedom, dignity, and equality will soon be vanquished by our own ignorance of the world-views of those who abhor our values and seek to destroy them.
Finally, find proactive ways to express love in the Muslim world. The truth is undeniable. What is needed is not more violence or war. Nor is education the only solution. What will turn the tide in the end will be a change of heart on all fronts. Only selfless expressions of love can accomplish that end.
Ministries like Prison Fellowship have found ways to achieve positive life change in American prisons and have the demonstrated track record to prove it. As Americans, we simply must find the faith life and courage to extend love in tangible, specific ways to those who live in the Muslim world. Until then, we will continue to face an assault on our values from within as well as without. Worse, we will continue to release prisoners onto our own streets yearning not to assimilate into society but rather yearning to get even.