Muslim scapegoats not the answer

To the editor:

Anti-Americanism in Europe goes way beyond Arab immigrants and low birth rates as Mona Charen suggests. I have lived in Europe the past seven years and know Europe well. Europe does fear its large Arab and Turkish minorities, and Europe has suffered many Muslim race riots in its cities over the past years. Europe simply doesn't want trouble with its Muslim minorities, and U.S. intervention in the Middle East could cause problems. But can you blame them? Imagine Europe invading Mexico and wanting the United States to help. Would America's 35 million Hispanics quietly sit by and let that happen?

The problem goes deeper and involves America's arrogance, hypocrisy and trash culture. Europeans are tired of those brainless Hollywood movies, stupid TV sitcoms, trashy talk shows, tasteless fast food and other poor cultural imports from the United States. European complaints, though, are usually directed at European TV stations, cinemas and businesses.

Europe regrets forcing its religion and culture on its overseas colonies, and sees arrogance in how America tries to force democracy on other nations whether they like it or not. Democracy is not always perfect. Even Hitler was democratically elected. America's hypocrisy in supporting U.S.-friendly dictators in the world while accusing others of not having enough democracy angers Europeans and much of the world.

Making Muslims scapegoats for our misgivings with Europe will not bring the United States and Europe closer.

BRIAN FARRAR, Cape Girardeau