This is in response to Paul Smith's letter ("Culture understanding cannot explain attacks," Sept. 15)

I have one question for Paul: Does he read anything, outside of newspapers, about the Muslim culture? Certainly, if one was to read a Saudi newspaper one wouldn't get an accurate representation of Americans.

Muslim extremism is limited to a few sectors of society, and occurs no more often than in any other society. America has experienced people sending mail bombs, placing bombs outside abortion clinics and blowing up federal buildings. The difference is that the Muslim world is being attacked from all sides, but only a few sectors of society actually go the distance to attack.

I'd advise Mr. Smith to read more than a newspaper, and certainly talk to a Muslim.