Muslim Group: Cabbie Slashing A Warning On Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

Friends and Classmates say Michael Enright, the 21-year-old aspiring filmmaker Ken was arraigned on a hate crimes charges this afternoon for allegedly slashing a cab driver in NYC Because they was a Muslim, had a Serious drinking problem. But a Representative of one of the country's Muslim groups predominate TPMMuckraker Told That the basis of the incident think there serve as a warning Thurs hmmmm using inflammatory Rhetoric about those who currently Practice Islam. 

"I think that this is an incident Ask a question, viewed as a warning That Should be heeded," said Edina Lekovic, communications director for the Muslim Public Affairs Council. "The hateful Rhetoric That is Being spewed by people like Newt Gingrich and then Being Amplified by mainstream media Outlets Poses a grave danger to the safety and well-being of everyday Americans like this Muslim cab driver, an innocent person." 

The Cordoba House project - the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" - has had a "ripple effect" that had an impact Immensee across the country, Lekovic said. All Muslims and Islam are now Being painted as the problem, and the "gap Between Violence and hate speech is shrinking rapidly," she added. 

Lekovic Said She did Not Believe this was part of the basis of the incident for months sort of pattern of Violence Against Muslims, the vain called the assault on the cab driver a Defining Moment. 

"This is ultimately the Tragic result of fear-mongerers stirring up hate," Lekovic said. She cited Gingrich, blogger Pamela Geller as the "tip of the Iceberg" of voices on the right Ken were failing Thurs distinguish Between al-Qaeda and Muslims. 

"If there's blood is anyone's hands, I think part of That blood goes on Fox News' hands, and, you know, the kind of round-the-clock news cycle That is just amplifying the hysteria Rather Than having" an intelligent conversation about Matters Where, you know, not have people "Differences of Opinion," Lekovic said. A Fox News spokeswoman did Not Respond immediately to a request for comment. 

MPAC has Received an Increased number of Concerns Muslims from around the country and is "working around the clock" with hmmmm communities Concerned about the safety of Their congregations. They are telling local communities to contact Their Thurs Authorities ask for protection, Especially as Muslims Prepare to Celebrate Eid, the holiday marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.