CAIR thinks Americans can't differentiate fact from fiction

The Council on American Islamic Relations, which describes itself as America's largest Muslim civil rights group, is objecting to popular Fox TV show, 24's season premiere. The new season starts out with Jack Bauer and his fellow characters having to deal with a series of suicide attacks across America, including the detonation of a nuclear bomb outside Los Angeles.

"The overwhelming impression you get is fear and hatred for Muslims," Rabiah Ahmed, a spokeswoman for CAIR told the Associated Press. "After watching that show, I was afraid to go to the grocery store because I wasn't sure the person next to me would be able to differentiate between fiction and reality.

In its defense, Fox issued a written statement Wednesday night, saying "24 is a heightened drama about anti-terrorism," adding, "After five seasons, the audience clearly understands this, and realizes that any individual, family, or group (ethnic or otherwise) that engages in violence is not meant to be typical."

Moreover, the nework noted that 24 has not singled out Muslims, pointing out that the shows' previous villains have included Anglos, Baltic Europeans, Germans, Russians, and even the president of the United States.

Perhaps this explains President Bush's low approval ratings in recent polls.