Source: AP
A nationwide survey in the United States showed that almost half of the Americans believe that the U.S. government should limit the civil liberties of Muslim Americans.
The poll conducted by Cornell University also showed that Republicans and people who describe themselves as highly religious were more likely to call for restricting Muslims’ civil liberties than Democrats or people who are less religious.
The survey also found that those who are interested in the television news were more likely to favor curtailing the civil rights of Muslim Americans.
"It's sad news. It's disturbing news. But it's not unpredictable," said Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society. "The nation is at war, even if it's not a traditional war. We just have to remain vigilant and continue to interface."
Researchers also found that 44 percent supported at least some limitations on the civil liberties of Muslim Americans. Forty eight percent said liberties shouldn’t be limited in any way.
The poll also found that 27 percent suggested that all Muslim Americans should register where they live with the federal government, while 22 percent supported radical profiling. Twenty nine percent suggested that undercover agents should spy on Muslims’ civic and volunteer groups to keep an eye on their activities and fund-raising.
Cornell student researchers questioned 715 people in the nationwide telephone survey conducted this fall. The margin of error was 3.6 percentage points.
According to the poll, 37 percent believe an attack inside the United States is still likely within the next year. In a similar survey conducted by Cornell in November 2002, this number stood at 90 percent.