Why is "Muslim" a derogatory word. Of all the countries in the world you would think that America would be ?

a place where different cultures could come together. But we all know better. When the Irish immigrants came to America, they were treated harshly because they were Catholic. Some were beaten and killed, and most found it hard to get jobs. They were not the only ethnic group that was disenfranchised. Now when citizens attempt to smear someone, they use a reference to a religion that is held by millions in the world. They attempt to use the negative stereotypes about radical Muslims to scare the public. How sick! Do all Christians blow up abortion clinics, join the Klan, or belong to some militia that attacks federal buildings, or does not pay taxes? Of course not. Do all Muslims commit terrorist acts? Certainly not! I don't care what party you belong to, or what race you may be. But if we don't stop this madness we will all destroy each other before long. So, why do we use religion as a slur in the land of the free? Or is this an attempt at religious elitism.