Islam is not an ethnicity or race.
@recovering:
I have not read the entire thread but I find it hard to believe Simon is trying to convince you that all Muslims are evil. I would be willing to bet you are reaching a bit there.
As with any religion, individual members have different levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, and belief. And no doubt some Muslims cherry pick different parts of the religion to live by while ignoring other parts - as do some Christians, JWs, Jews, etc.
But regardless of what any individual Muslim may or may not do, we can always go back to the religion to find its official standing. That is the pertinent point, IMHO. There is no room within the writings that make up Islam for a separation of mosque and state. There is no room in Islam for a “Draw the prophet” contest. There is no room in Islam for homosexuals.
Some Muslims make room - but they are being good Muslims by being bad Muslims.