Muslims play an important role in this country’s success

I was shocked by the near-hate speech allowed to be published by your outlet recently entitled “It’s treasonous not to deport all Muslims.”

As a proud American-born U.S. citizen, a Muslim, and a productive member of American society (an eye surgeon, and former medical school professor), I am appalled that this sentiment is broadly echoed by your publication. It should be noted that approximately 10 percent of U.S. physicians are of Muslim background. This is according to an analysis from data of the American Medical Association.

I believe that Muslim-Americans are an integral part of the fabric of American society. As mentioned, physicians such as myself provide valuable care to many underserved parts of the United States. For example, as a deeply specialized eye surgeon (retina specialist), I see patients routinely from as far as rural North Carolina, though not quite as far as your area.

On the other hand, the assertions in the published article are blatantly false and there is no citation given to justify: “Experts estimate that between 15 percent to 25 percent of Muslims are terrorists, the ones who stab, behead, murder and massacre non-Muslims to make Islam the only system of governance in a country.”

My family and I were planning to visit Myrtle Beach for the first time for a week-long vacation next summer. Our booking had already been made at a Hilton resort there. However, we are now considering canceling our trip given the apparently hostile atmosphere in your area. I believe we can find a more accepting place to spend our tourist dollars.

The writer lives in Virginia.

This story was originally published October 29, 2016 at 12:13 AM with the headline "Muslims play an important role in this country’s success."