Readers Write (Aug. 9): Explaining terror recruitment, Trump and local Somalis, Philippines drug war, Concordia social-media backlash, feet on seats, the meaning of 'cow'

What was missing from the Aug. 7 editorial, "Anti-radicalization: Don't rest on laurels," was a deeper discussion of core values espoused by the recruiters of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

Yes, there is a reference to "lies about building a utopian caliphate in the Middle East." (We know they are lies because much of the behavior glorified within the caliphate could put you in jail in the West.) But as difficult as it may be, we must consider that ISIL's lies are actually truths found, for example, in Sura 9 of the Qur'an and in the Hadiths, which detail Mohammed's many aggressive, religious wars in the latter years of his life. (Some will argue that these were defensive battles.)

Isn't it true that nothing pleases Allah more than your martyrdom for the faith?

This is what motivates people to join ISIL — not a weak economy, community isolation, unemployment, poverty or even intolerance.

Everyone will benefit from a respectful, in-depth discussion of Islam's teachings. But that won't happen if "Islamophobia!" is shouted in the midst of the crowded meeting room.

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The Aug. 6 article "Candidate's remarks anger local Somalis" shows Donald Trump's desperate efforts to create tension among peaceful communities to get votes. Somalis know their constitutional rights and have strong allies within the Minnesota community at all levels.

Elections with Somali candidates on the ballot have reported unheard of numbers of participants. For instance, at political events in House District 60B, there have been overflow crowds.

Somalis also have enriched Minnesota's pluralistic landscape with unique history, culture, language and faith components. Trump should ask state leaders and professionals about Somali contributions before attacking this vibrant community.

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In response to Trump's comments about immigrants from Somalia: Minnesota is doing very well, thank you! Today I found myself at an urgent care clinic in the Twin Cities. The doctor who saw me, a woman, was Muslim. She probably is from Somalia. She was very kind, professional and obviously had worked hard to complete medical school. The lab technician also was a woman and Muslim. She also was very kind and professional.

I just want the public and Trump to know that Somali immigrants and immigrants from many countries are very hardworking people who value education and contribute to our community in so many ways.

All of these human-rights activists condemning the extrajudicial killings do not know the situation in the Philippines. Duterte won the election with a wide margin in a three-way race. The Roman Catholic Church (the Philippines is 86 percent Catholic) supported his opponent, who also was supported by the then-current president. Duterte ran on the promise to get rid of the drug lords in the way he did in Davao City. And he is doing exactly what he promised. That is democracy in action.

I was sad when I read "Welcome letter triggers social media backlash at Concordia U" (Aug. 6).

After working for years with Cheryl Chatman — the dean of diversity affairs whose letter has stirred the controversy — I know personally that she has nothing but good in her heart for all students, but especially for students of color. By partnering with her, I was so much more successful in my teaching and working with students of color.

I want everyone to know that I have nothing but the highest respect for Chatman and all that she has accomplished at Concordia University. Students of color have been, and will continue to be, blessed by all that she does. Thank you.

I cherish her as a colleague, and thank God that she is part of the Concordia family!

The writer is an emeritus professor of psychology and family studies at Concordia University in St. Paul.

In response to the Aug. 6 editorial "Hey, read the sticker: No feet on the seats":

When we traveled between Slovakia and Austria when our daughter lived in Slovakia, she explained that no one would think of putting their feet on the seats of the train. That would be considered gross. I noticed that all adhered to this way of behaving — from small children to the elderly. I found that I had to remind myself to do the same.

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Thank you for the comment and photo regarding "No feet on the seats." I thoroughly agree with trying to stop this disgusting, selfish action, and suggest banning another I see on mass transit. Please don't take up a seat for your backpack/shopping bag. Put it on your lap and free up a seat for someone else. When I have tried to get offenders to move an item so I could sit down, they have acted like they are sleeping or can't hear me over their earbuds.