Those kind hearted Muslims

[flyhi 24]

Quote

I'm sure you'll find plenty of Catholics and other such religions that have done monsterous things.

You're right. My ex was Catholic.

Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics.

[Scoby 0]

Quote

Oh....I don't disagree with you there. It was an incredibly stupid thing to say. The reaction however was exponentially more stupid. "Gee that guy SAID something I don't like. I think I'll go kill some people and burn down a few buildings. I had some vacation time from work that I needed to use up anyway and it's such nice weather out."

It's worth pointing out that in Nigeria last year, a similar riot broke out during a lunar eclipse (apparently, they thought someone had stolen the moon), with dozens dead. I'm guessing the problem here has less to do with Islam, and more to do with a nation of basketcases. While I'm inclined to think we'd be much better of without any religions, I think you're off the mark here.

[freeflir29 0]

Quote

I think you're off the mark here

I think we are on the same track actually. I don't think this had so much to do with religion as it did a whacked out bunch of people. That's why the entire continent (Except South Africa) has been in turmoil since the Europeans pulled out.

[happythoughts 0]

"Police in Nigeria have arrested a woman, said to be a witch, who has been accused of stealing a man's penis."

This is the best part:

"Police would not say why they had arrested the woman or whether the man's claims had been verified."

Whether the mans claims had been verified?

Actually, the whole "Nigerian mob beats penis-stealing witch" scenario occurs about every 4 months there. Ya may not respect their culture, but at least everybody agrees on stuff.

Story

[Gawain 0]

Quote

I have spoken out. And have also seen many religous leaders in many communities speak out.

I've seen some coverage and evidence of this, however I suggest you do more. Yes, more TV coverage, more talking heads from the appropriate American Muslim community leaders, more pressure from the religious leadership worldwide to put pressure from Al-Jazeera to Fox News to the body politic.

This truly is a propaganda war. Right now, the extremists are winning it. For every bomb that goes off, there needs to be a condemnation that is 100 times as powerful to quell the perception that eventually causes casual phrases like "Those kind hearted Muslims" to become a broad-stroked stereotype for fanatics.

I know little of the faith, but without consistent American Muslim leadership countering the overwhelming onslought of homicide bombings, terrorist attacks, the public will eventually swing permanently against the "quiet moderates" and freedom of religion will no longer carry any weight.

This is a tough fight. And this is one case where both sides are right:

Who was responsible for nearly every single terror attack in the past 10 years? Young, impressionable men, aged 15-30, of middle eastern origin and reared on hard line Islamic Laws and faith.

From the site of:
The Grand Ayatollah Imam Muhammad Shirazi

The recent events of explosions in the United States of America, is much regrettable, and the human conscience rejects it. The Islamic religion does not permit such acts, and it has brought strict set of teachings to protect the innocent, and prevent bloodshed . . . such teachings are summarised in the declaration Allah Almighty has made in the holy Qur'an,

{. . . whoever kills a soul, not in retaliation for a soul or corruption in the land, is like one who has killed the whole of mankind . . .} 5:32.

Imam Saadiq, peace be upon him, said

"A Muslim is he from whose hand and tongue the people are in safety and security, and a (true) Believer is he whom the people trust with their wealth and their lives . . ."

What a twisted web we weave...

Blue Skies...

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!